The secret is to make sure all the X data is in one column and all the series (Y) data in an adjacent column. This could mean that you have multiple series underneath each other. It would be wise to put the series label at the beginning of the series data in a cell to the right, as the screen shot below:
Sample Scatter Graph Data and Chart
Using the Chart Wizard to create the graph, at Step Two, click the Series tab. What is first seen is obviously incorrect and you have to define the cells containing the Y data for each series.
Chart Wizard: Step 2 of 4
For the first series, click on the Navigator Button at the end of each of the three options: Name:, X Value: and Y Value: and highlight the relevant cells. When that is complete, click the Add button to add another series. Repeat the three steps above. Continue as necessary.
Another email from one of our clients who uses a similar method but allows you to add series to an existing graph and is less restricting about where the series sit on the spreadsheet.
| 1. | For the first series, X data is in one column and Y data is in the adjacent column to the right. Other series can be in different places on the spreadsheet. |
| 2. | Highlight the first series and use chart wizard
to create an X-Y scatterplot in the normal way. |
| 3. | Highlight the second series (both the X and
the Y data), click Copy. [file:scatter1.gif] |
| 4. | Then click on the chart to select it. Click
Edit, Paste Special [file:scatter2.gif] |
| 5. | The Paste Special window appears. Select "new series" and "X values in first column". |
That's it. Repeat for other series
It is possible to drag and drop new series onto the chart
since this will usually bring up the Paste Special window. The one time it does
not work is when the new series is vertically in line with Series 1.
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