[Excel] How to make a scatterplot with marginal frequencies

Visualizing the distribution of individual variables along the axes can add interesting insights to the scatterplot.

Excel scatterplot with marginal frequencies
Excel scatterplot with marginal frequencies.

Design notes

  • Add the x and y variables.
  • You can display frequencies along the axis or on the opposite side (top for the x axis, right for the y-axis).
  • Add the x again with the fixed y value and the y value with the fixed x value.
  • Check the aspect ratio.
  • Increase transparency to avoid occlusion (larger bubbles hiding smaller ones).
  • This also applies to marginals frequencies.
  • Show dot outline using a darker color.

Video

Notes

Real-world example