How to
How to plot points on an XY graph
An XY graph, or coordinate plane, places each point by two numbers: x, how far across from zero, and y, how far up or down. This maker draws a square grid with both axes through zero, plots your points, labels them, and can join them or add a line from an equation.
- Type the points. One per line as x, y, with an optional name: 2, 3, A. You can also paste two columns from a spreadsheet or write (2, 3).
- Join them if they belong together. In order follows the list, for a shape or a path; Left to right sorts by x first, for a function.
- Add a line. Type an equation such as y = 2x + 1 to draw it across the grid. Vertical lines like x = 3 work too.
- Set the window. The grid fits your points and always includes the origin. Type your own limits and grid step for a worksheet.
- Download. PNG or SVG, or copy the image into your document.
The four quadrants
The axes split the plane into four quadrants, numbered counterclockwise from the top right: Quadrant I has x and y both positive, II has negative x and positive y, III has both negative, and IV has positive x and negative y. Points on an axis are in no quadrant. The list under your points says where each one falls, and if all of them lie on one straight line it gives its equation and slope.
Points, data and functions
For many data points and a line of best fit, the scatter plot maker adds the trend line and R². For curves, sliders, roots and a table of values, open the graph in the graphing calculator: your points and equations go with it. Values over time read better as a line graph.
Questions people ask
How to create a xy graph?
Draw a horizontal x axis and a vertical y axis that cross at zero, and mark both with the same step. For each pair, count across to the x value and up or down to the y value, then draw a dot. Join the dots in order if they belong together. Here you type the pairs and the grid is drawn for you.
How do I create an xy graph in Excel?
Put the x values in one column and the y values in the column to its right, select both, then on the Insert tab choose the Scatter chart. Pick the style with markers only for points, or with straight lines to join them in order. Excel's other line charts treat x as labels, not numbers, so use scatter.
How do I create an XY graph in Google Sheets?
Select the two columns, x first, then choose Insert, Chart. In the chart editor, set the chart type to Scatter chart; Sheets sometimes guesses a line chart, which spaces the x values evenly whatever they are. A scatter chart places each point at its real x and y value.
How to create an xy graph in Word?
Choose Insert, Chart, then the X Y (Scatter) type. Word opens a small spreadsheet where you replace the sample x and y values with yours, and the chart updates as you type. For a coordinate grid with all four quadrants and axes through zero, it is easier to make it here and paste the image into Word.
Is an XY graph the same as a scatter plot?
They use the same axes, but the purpose differs. A scatter plot shows many data points to look for a relationship, often with a line of best fit. An XY graph in math class usually plots a few exact points on a coordinate plane, labels them, and may join them or draw a line from its equation.