A scatter plot is best used when we want to determine whether there is a relationship or correlation between two numeric variables. Depending on how the scatter plot looks, you can infer whether the relationship between the two variables is positive or negative, strong or weak, linear or nonlinear.
Let’s now see how to build a scatter plot with a colored quadrant on Tableau step-by-step. This can help us visualize immediately the quadrant that contains the insights that we deem more relevant for our analysis. Our goal is to create a chart showing the relationship between sales and profits for each manufacturer from the Sample Superstore data source.
Step 1. Create a scatter plot
- Connect to the data source Sample – Superstore.
- Drag Profit to Columns.
- Drag Sales to You will see just one dot on your graph, but don’t worry!
- Select Circle from the dropdown list in the Marks card.
- Drag Manufacturer and drop it on Detail on the Marks card. Now you’ll have a classic scatter plot showing you the relationship between sales and profit per manufacturer.
Step 2. Add colored quadrants to your scatterplot
- On the left pane select the Analytics section. Drag Reference Line on the view and drop it on Table when you see the option appear.
- Right click on one line and select Format. Under Reference Line choose a color in the Fill Above dropdown menu.
- Right click on the other line and select Format. Under Reference Line choose the color white in the Fill Below dropdown menu so that only the quadrant with positive values is colored.
- Fit to Entire View.
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