Use an XY graph
Choose an XY graph when numeric X spacing and the path between points matter. X values such as 1, 2 and 10 keep their unequal spacing even when connected. Points join in table order, so arrange rows in the sequence you want to draw.
XY Graph Maker
Plot X and Y values online for free, with no signup. Enter, paste, or upload paired numeric data and download a clean graph in seconds.
- Free to use
- No watermark
- No signup
- Data stays in your browser
Graph editor
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How to make an XY graph
- 1
Add X and Y values
Enter one X column and one or more Y columns. Type, paste a spreadsheet table, or upload CSV/XLSX. Name axes with units that match your data.
- 2
Choose how points display
Connect points in table order or show them separately. Open Customize for axis bounds, grid spacing, coordinate-plane mode and point labels.
- 3
Customize and export
Name and color your series. Download PNG for slides or the web, choose SVG for scalable graphics, or select Print graph.
What is an XY graph?
An XY graph places numeric X values on the horizontal axis and numeric Y values on the vertical axis. This XY plotter can draw one or more Y series against a shared X column. Each row supplies one coordinate pair per series.
Unlike a category chart, the spacing on both axes is proportional to the numbers. Use it to plot X and Y coordinates, compare measurements or draw ordered paths. Put the input or independent variable on X and the measured response on Y when that fits your experiment; label axes with units such as Time (s) and Distance (m).
Example XY dataset
Paste these three columns to compare two Y series against one shared X column. The first row plots (-2, -4) for Y1 and (-2, 3) for Y2. Zero and positive coordinates work the same way. This worked example is separate from the initial sample above.
| X | Y1 | Y2 |
|---|---|---|
| -2 | -4 | 3 |
| 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 3 | 6 | 7 |
Plot the X and Y coordinates in this table
- Read each row across: X comes first. The first row gives the Y1 point (-2, -4) and the Y2 point (-2, 3). Both points share X = -2, but sit at different heights.
- Locate (-2, -4) by moving 2 units left of the origin and 4 units down. The other Y1 points are (0, 0) and (3, 6). From X = 0 to X = 3, the horizontal gap is 3 units; from X = -2 to X = 0, it is 2 units.
- Copy the table with its headers and paste it into the first X cell above. Each Y column becomes its own series. Leave Connect points on for a path in row order, or turn it off for separate points. Use Customize → Coordinate plane to include the origin.
When to use XY vs Scatter
Both charts use paired numeric values. The difference is whether the sequence between points carries meaning.
Use a scatter plot
Choose a scatter plot for independent observations, clusters or outliers. Use Scatter Plot Maker to add a linear trendline, regression equation and R². Leave observations unconnected when there is no meaningful path between them.
When to use an XY graph
Use XY graphs when the numeric coordinates and the order of measurements matter.
Trace an ordered path
Connect coordinates in table order to show a measured sequence.
Plot irregular intervals
Keep unequal numeric X intervals proportional instead of treating them as categories.
Show separate coordinates
Turn off Connect points when each numeric pair should stand alone.
XY graph maker features
Connected paths with numeric spacing
Join points in table order, including unequal X intervals, or switch to separate points.
Multiple Y series
Compare several Y columns against one shared X column, with names, colors and visibility controls.
Adjustable coordinate plane
Set axis bounds, grid spacing and origin axes. Use equal unit scale for coordinate diagrams.
Point names and click-to-plot
Label points with names and coordinates, or add points to the first series by clicking or tapping the grid.
Private spreadsheet imports
Paste from Excel or Google Sheets, or upload CSV/XLSX files. Processing stays in your browser.
Download or print
Export PNG for slides and web use, SVG for scalable graphics, or print the graph.
Related graph makers
Equation Graph Maker
Enter a mathematical expression instead of coordinate pairs.
Scatter Plot Maker
Plot independent observations and explore relationships between two variables.
Line Graph Maker
Show changes and trends across categories or dates.
Supply and Demand Graph Maker
Map quantity, demand, and supply curves and estimate their equilibrium.
Bar Graph Maker
Compare numeric values across named categories.
XY graph maker FAQ
Answers to common questions about plotting paired numeric data.
Is the XY graph maker free?
Yes. The XY graph maker is free to use, requires no signup, and does not add a watermark to exported graphs.
How should I arrange X and Y data?
Use one numeric X column followed by one or more numeric Y columns, for example X, Y1 and Y2. Each row pairs the shared X value with each Y value. Use Add series for another Y column, then name and color it in the editor. Blank or invalid pairs are not plotted; connected paths leave a gap at missing values.
Can I make an XY graph without connecting the points?
Yes. Turn off Connect points above the preview to display the coordinate pairs as unconnected points.
Can I import data from Excel or CSV?
Yes. Upload a CSV or XLSX file, or paste a table copied from Excel or Google Sheets. Processing happens in your browser.
What is the difference between an XY graph and a scatter plot?
Use XY for coordinate plotting and ordered paths with true numeric spacing. Use Scatter Plot Maker for independent observations and linear regression with R². Both plot numeric X/Y pairs; choose based on the job you need to do.
Can I plot negative coordinates on a four-quadrant plane?
Yes. Enter positive, negative or zero coordinates. Open Customize and choose Coordinate plane for a -10 to 10 grid with axes crossing at the origin and equal unit scale. Adjust the axis minimum, maximum and grid spacing, then choose Apply axes. Keep zero inside both ranges to show the origin.
How do I label points or click to plot coordinates?
Choose Add point names and enter names such as A or B in the table. In Customize, turn on Show value labels to display names and coordinates. Enable Click to plot to add a point to the first Y series; Snap to grid uses the chosen grid spacing, or whole units when spacing is automatic. You can always enter or edit coordinates in the table.
Can I enter an equation instead of coordinate pairs?
Use Equation Graph Maker in Related graph makers below to type a formula such as y = 2x + 3 or y = x² directly. This XY tool plots coordinate pairs you enter, paste or import; it does not calculate an equation from the table.
Should I download PNG or SVG?
Choose PNG for slides, documents or sharing on the web. Choose SVG when you need a scalable graphic that stays sharp as it is resized. Print graph opens the browser print view with the title and graph.