How to make a quadrant chart using Excel

A quadrant chart refers to a scatter plot with the background split into four equal sections called quadrants. The quadrant chart's purpose is to show any cause-effect relationship between two variables by grouping the values into distinct categories based on the given criteria worked.

How can I make a Quadrant scatter in my Excel worksheet? It can be confusing trying to look for the graph in the Insert tab of the sheet's main ribbon. Unfortunately, the chart isn't supported in Excel, meaning it is not automated. It does not mean you cannot use it as you will have to make the chart on your own using the X, Y (Scatter) chart or a Bubble chart. In this article, we look at steps to be followed when making a quadrant chart.

 

How to make a Quadrant chart in Excel

Create an empty XY scatter chart

You have to create an empty scatter graph in your Excel worksheet without first selecting or plotting any values. It is done to ensure all the values and variables are included. To create it, follow these steps

1. Click on an empty cell

2. Go to the Insert tab

3.  On the Charts dialog box, select the X Y (Scatter) to display all types of charts.

5. Click Scatter. An empty chart will appear on your worksheet.

Add values to the chart.

1. Right-click on the empty chart area and choose 'Select Data.'

2. A new window, "Select Data Source," will be displayed. Under the 'Legend Entries (Series)' field, click the "Add" button.

3. The 'Edit Series' menu will be displayed. For "Series X values," select all the values in the column you want to be represented in the X-axis. For "Series Y values," select all in the column you want to represent in the Y-axis.

4. Click OK to set the series.

5. Click OK again to close, then select the Data Source window. Also, set a chart title and right-click on the grid lines to delete them.

Set the minimum and maximum scale

1. Right-click on the numbers along the bottom of the chart that represent the horizontal axis. Select 'Format Axis.'

2. select the 'Axis Options' tab.

3. On both the Minimum and Maximum Bounds value changes from auto to fixed. Set the minimum value to be zero, the maximum value to match the highest value of your data.

Set the minimum and maximum values

On the still open 'Format Axis' window, click on the vertical axis values, and with the same steps as above, set your vertical axis.

Create a new table

Here you need to set up the following table next to your actual data.

Setting X values Y values
Horizontal line (left) 0 Half of the Y-axis maximum values
Horizontal line (right) Maximum X-axis values Half of the Y-axis maximum values
Vertical line (bottom) Half of the X-axis maximum values 0
Vertical line (top) Half of the X-axis maximum values Maximum values of Y-axis


Add the quadrant lines to the chart.

1. Right-click on the chart, choose 'Select Data,' and click 'Add' in the window that appears. On 'Series name' type Horizontal line. For 'Series X values,' select the first two cell values of your table. For 'Series Y values,' Select the first two cell values on your table in the Y column. Click OK.

2. Right-click on the chart again and repeat the steps above. This time the 'Series name' will be vertical while the 'Series X &Y values' will be the other unselected remaining data.

3. Change the chart type

The chart has four dots; right-click any of the dots and select 'Change Series Chart Type' from the menu. In the Chart Type' choose "Scatter with smooth lines."

4. Modify the quadrant lines.

Right-click on the horizontal quadrant line and choose 'Format Data Series.' From the given options, fill in your preference. Press 'Close' when done. Do the same for the vertical line.

5. Add the default data labels. Do this by right-clicking any dot and selecting 'Add Data Labels.'

6. Format data labels. Right-click on any label and select 'Format Data Labels.' Go to the 'Label Options' tab and check the 'Value from cells' option. Select all the names and click OK. Uncheck the 'Y Value' box and under 'Label Position,' select 'Above.

7. Add the Axis titles. Select the chart and go to the 'Design' tab. Choose 'Add Chart Element' and click 'Axis Titles.' Pick both 'Primary Horizontal' and 'Primary Vertical.' Make the adjustments.

Conclusion

The above article gives you a step-by-step explanation of creating a quadrant in Excel. Following these steps, you will be able to make your quadrant.