Scatter plot encodes values as position of points on two quantitative axes. John Herschel plotted orbits; Galton’s 1880s regressions made the form famous.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits correlation, outliers and clusters in two measures. Skip it when one axis is not quantitative, or time is the real story.
This page gathers anatomy, fit, craft, failure modes and work / ads / school recipes for Scatter plot.
Profile
Seven chapters
The idea
Two measured variables as a cloud of points — the honest way to talk about correlation. History. correlation, outliers and clusters in two measures.
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Anatomy
Two measured variables as a cloud of points — the honest way to talk about correlation. Mark. correlation, outliers and clusters in two measures.
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When to use
Two measured variables as a cloud of points — the honest way to talk about correlation. Fit. correlation, outliers and clusters in two measures.
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Craft
Two measured variables as a cloud of points — the honest way to talk about correlation. Rules. correlation, outliers and clusters in two measures.
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Mistakes
Two measured variables as a cloud of points — the honest way to talk about correlation. Failure modes. correlation, outliers and clusters in two measures.
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Studio
Two measured variables as a cloud of points — the honest way to talk about correlation. Work. correlation, outliers and clusters in two measures.
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Tools
Two measured variables as a cloud of points — the honest way to talk about correlation. Software. correlation, outliers and clusters in two measures.
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Frequently asked questions
When should I pick Scatter plot?
When should I avoid Scatter plot?
Who invented or popularised it?
What does it encode?
Is it OK in ads?
Will a teacher accept it?
Which tool?
How do I keep it accessible?
Related
📈 Line chart
Show change through time with a continuous path — the workhorse of reports and science homework.
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▦ Heatmap
A matrix of intensity — dense, seductive, and easy to lie with a rainbow scale.
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📚 School assignments
Figures a teacher can mark — labelled axes, a source line, and a chart that matches the question.
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