Can’t find the way to add labels to data points in a scatter chart in Google Sheets? Don’t worry, I have the answer!
You can annotate data points in a scatter chart in Google Sheets. But before we dive into that, let’s quickly go over how to plot a scatter chart. If you need a refresher, check out my tutorial on how to plot a scatter chart in Google Sheets on Crawlan.com.
Now, let’s focus on adding labels to data points in a scatter chart.
How to Add Labels to Data Points in Scatter Chart in Google Sheets – Annotated Scatter Chart
Unlike some other charts, like the timeline, Google Sheets offers plenty of customization options for scatter charts.
To create a sample scatter chart with labels, we’ll use some demo data. Although the data may not be realistic, it will be enough for you to understand how to add labels to data points in the scatter chart.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Select the data range B1:C4. We will skip column A (A1:A4) for now.
- Go to Insert > Chart. Google Sheets will plot a default chart, which may be a column chart.
- Select Scatter.
- Your scatter chart will appear. However, it may look incomplete. Don’t worry; we’ll add the labels and adjust the horizontal and vertical axis scales to improve the chart’s appearance.
Let’s add the data point labels to the scatter chart:
- Under the DATA tab, click the three vertical dots next to SERIES.
- Select Add Labels and choose the range A1:A4 that contains our data point labels for the scatter chart.
Note: Some of you may see a default label added. If that happens, simply click on it and select the range A1:A4. The GIF below may help you visualize this step.
That’s it! Your scatter chart with data point labels is ready to go.
Additional Points to Consider
One important point to note is to check if the “treat labels as text” option is unchecked under both the Horizontal axis and Vertical axis in the CUSTOMIZE tab.
You can also customize the minimum and maximum values of the horizontal and vertical axes to ensure the data points are well covered within the chart. These options can be found below the “treat labels as text” option.
To access these customization options, simply double-click on the horizontal or vertical axis values on the chart. This will take you directly to the CUSTOMIZE tab.
Now, let’s take a look at a real-life example of an annotated scatter chart in Google Sheets.
The following chart is based on data from a Wiki page. I’ve taken only a portion of the data for this example. For more detailed information, please visit the source.
Real-Life Example – Annotated Scatter Chart in Google Sheets
I’ve prepared a new set of sample data in the range A1:C7, which shows the average weight of people around the world.
The chart on the right-hand side of the data is prepared using the instructions mentioned earlier. However, I’ve made some additional customizations.
I’ve arranged the data labels on the right side of the data points, and I’ve also changed the color of the data points.
You can further customize the size, color, and shape of the data points, as well as the alignment of the label text, from the CUSTOMIZE tab of the chart editor.
For more tips and common errors you may encounter while working with scatter charts in Google Sheets, make sure to check out my article on Crawlan.com.
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That’s all about adding data point labels to scatter charts in Google Sheets. Enjoy exploring the possibilities of visualizing your data in meaningful ways!
