Virtual Lab Graphing Tool

Instructions

Turn your lab measurements into a scatter plot and download a graph for your write-up.

  1. Label your graph. Add a title, the independent variable on x, the dependent variable on y, and their units. Remember DRY MIX.
  2. Enter measurements. Type one x/y pair per row, add rows as needed, or paste/import a two-column CSV. You can also load a lesson example.
  3. Look for the pattern. Turn on Linear best fit when the points follow an approximately straight trend. Read the slope, y-intercept and R² below the graph. A straight line does not describe every relationship.
  4. Read the line. Enter an x value to estimate y from the fit. Estimates outside your measured range are extrapolations.
  5. Save your work. Download PNG or SVG for your lab report, CSV to keep the data, or print the graph.

Your data stays in this tab. Closing or reloading clears it. Download CSV before leaving. Sharing sends a fresh tool link; your measurements are not included.
01

Set up your data

Independent on x. Dependent on y.

Measurements

0 points

Numbers only; scientific notation such as 1.2e-3 works. Up to 500 points.

Your measurements. Enter one x and y pair per row.
#xyRemove row

Paste data or import CSV

Paste two columns separated by commas or tabs. An optional first row can contain axis labels. Import replaces the table.

Your data stays in this tab. Download CSV to keep a copy before closing or reloading.

02

See the relationship

Your scatter plot updates as you type.

Add at least two complete points to explore a line of best fit.

For your lab write-up

Read your best-fit line

y = mx + b

A best-fit line summarizes an approximately straight trend. It does not join the dots.

A little graphing help

Remember DRY MIX

Dependent, Responding, Y-axis. Manipulated, Independent, X-axis. Put what you change on x and what you measure on y.

Read the scale

Each axis uses evenly spaced steps. The axes can use different step sizes. Including zero shows the origin; turning it off zooms in on the measured range.

Explain the slope

The slope is the change in y for one unit of x. Its units are y-units per x-unit. A negative slope means y tends to decrease as x increases.

Take it with you

PNG works in Google Docs and most lab reports. SVG stays sharp at any size. CSV saves your table for later. Downloads include only valid, complete data pairs.