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Bubble graph

Bubble graphs are like scatter graphs, with a third variable size. They let you chart three variables in two dimensions.

The bubble graph lets you chart three variables in two dimensions. It’s a special form of the scatter graphs showing "bubbles", which are circular markers of variable size plotted on an X-Y grid. The size of each bubble is typically used to show the data point’s relative importance, such as the percentage of gross sales it represents.

• In a bubble graph, all three variables are independent. You can choose which variable to show on the X axis, which to show on the Y axis, and which to show by the size of the bubble.
  
  
• You must supply values for the X position, Y position, and bubble size for each point.
  
  
• You can’t draw curves on a bubble graph.
  
  

Use a bubble graph...

• When you have three variables to graph and want to show them on a single set of axes.
  

Other graph types to consider

• When you have several sets of data or a large number of points, consider a 3D scatter graph.