Scatter plot

A scatter chart visualizes relationships between two numerical variables. Each point on the chart represents an observation from the dataset, with its position determined by the values of the two variables. You can split data by a categorical field to compare how different groups distribute across the same dimensions.

Creating a scatter chart

The following examples build on each other, starting with a basic two-variable scatter and adding dimensions.

Basic scatter chart

Start with a query that returns two numeric fields:

source = opensearch_dashboards_sample_data_flights | fields AvgTicketPrice, DistanceMiles

After running this query, select Scatter as the chart type. The fields are mapped as follows:

The X-Axis displays the AvgTicketPrice field.
The Y-Axis displays the DistanceMiles field.

The result is a scatter plot showing the relationship between ticket price and flight distance. Each point represents a single flight, as shown in the following image.

Basic scatter chart showing average flight price compared to distance

Using thresholds

To apply thresholds, enable Use threshold colors in the Scatter section. Then open the Thresholds section and add a threshold of 6000 to highlight long-distance flights, as shown in the following image.

Scatter chart with threshold at 6000 highlighting long-distance flights

For more information, see Thresholds.

Adding a color dimension

Add a categorical field to split the data points into color-coded groups:

source = opensearch_dashboards_sample_data_flights | fields AvgTicketPrice, DistanceMiles, DestWeather

This query returns two numeric fields: AvgTicketPrice and DistanceMiles. Select DestWeather as the Color field.

The result is a scatter plot with points split into color-coded groups---each weather condition is rendered in a distinct color, as shown in the following image.

Scatter chart with color-coded weather categories

Adding a size dimension

Add a third numeric field to control point size, creating a bubble chart:

source = opensearch_dashboards_sample_data_flights | fields AvgTicketPrice, DistanceMiles, DestWeather, FlightDelayMin

This query returns three numeric fields: AvgTicketPrice, DistanceMiles, and FlightDelayMin. Select DestWeather as the Color field and map FlightDelayMin to the Size field.

Points now vary in size---larger bubbles represent longer delays. Each color still represents a weather condition, making it possible to identify whether certain weather types correlate with both higher prices and longer delays, as shown in the following image.

Scatter chart with size representing flight delay minutes

Configuring a scatter chart

You can configure the following settings in the configuration panel.

Fields

In the Fields section, configure the fields displayed on each axis.

Configuration	Fields	Description
Two numerical	X-Axis (numeric), Y-Axis (numeric)	Select two numeric fields to display data points showing the relationship between two numerical variables.
Two numerical + one categorical	X-Axis (numeric), Y-Axis (numeric), Color (categorical)	Select two numeric fields and a categorical Color field to display data points split into color-coded groups.
Three numerical + one categorical	X-Axis (numeric), Y-Axis (numeric), Size (numeric), Color (categorical)	Select three numeric fields and a categorical Color field to display data points with colors indicating categories and the third numeric field controlling the size of the points.

Split

In the Split by dropdown list, select a field to split the chart into separate elements by value. For more information, see Split.

Scatter

Use the following settings to customize the appearance and behavior of the scatter chart.

Setting	Description
Point size	Controls the default size of data points when no Size field is mapped.
Shape	Controls the shape of each data point. Supported values: Circle, Square, Diamond, Cross.
Filled	When enabled, data points are filled with color. When disabled, only the outline is rendered.
Angle	Controls the display angle of each data point in degrees. Supports values in the 0–360 range.

Thresholds

For information about configuring thresholds, see Thresholds.

Axes

The X-axis and Y-axis share the same configuration options. For more information, see Axes.

Legend

The legend summarizes the visual color encodings used in the chart.

Setting	Description
Show legend	Shows or hides the legend.
Position	Controls where the legend appears relative to the chart. Supported values: Left, Right, Top, Bottom.

Toggle the Show tooltip selector to enable or disable tooltips.