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Bubble charts are scatter plots where point size represents a third dimension, allowing you to compare three variables simultaneously.

When to use

  • Three-variable comparisons - Show relationships between three metrics
  • Weighted scatter plots - Size indicates importance or magnitude
  • Market analysis - Compare products across multiple dimensions
  • Portfolio visualization - Display risk, return and size

Basic example

Data structure

Bubble charts require four columns:
  1. Category column - Labels for each bubble (optional but recommended)
  2. X-axis column - First numeric variable (horizontal position)
  3. Y-axis column - Second numeric variable (vertical position)
  4. Size column - Third numeric variable (bubble size)

Multiple series

Group bubbles by adding more numeric columns: