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FreshSpectrum - Data Design

Learn graphic design, data storytelling, qualitative visualization, UX design, and other stuff they don't teach you in grad school.

Chart Guide: Dot Plots [graphic novel blog post]

Chart Guide: Dot Plots [graphic novel blog post]

A bar chart and a scatter plot had a little baby. In this short graphic novel guide I’ll walk you through dot plots, why they exist, and how to use them.

So just what are dot plots? And how do you make and use them?
If you've never heard of dot plots it's because Excel doesn't give you that option when you click "insert chart." But 3D Line Charts and 3D Pie Charts are options. Avoid the urge to make any chart 3D.
So dot plots are a kind of mix between bar charts and scatter plots.
Bar charts have a way of taking up a lot of visual space. Dots are much less in your face.
They hep narrow your focus. Instead of looking at blocks your eyes focus on the dots.
For a bar to be accurate, you need to show the full length. Whereas dot plots work based on relative position. Meaning you can zoom in without distorting the visualization.
You also get the chance to pack more data in the same visual space. Meaning you can compare across and within with the same chart! Great for demographics like race, gender, ethnicity, income bracket, etc.
Dot plots are a standard option in Tableau. But they're easy enough to create in Excel if that's your preference. Just create a sequential numbering column in your spreadsheet. Then just choose scatter plot with the data and the new sequential number column.
Bonus tip. Dot plots are also really nice ways to display pre-post data. You can even connect the dots to create little dumbbells.
*All typos/misspellings are intentional as a way to show humanity, not an example of self-editing laziness.

Want more step by step Excel instructions?

Stephanie has a couple of good guides:

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Comments

  2. Very nice explanation and summary, and generous of you to share Stephanie’s links.
    Thanks, Chris.