How to Compare Advertising Spend and Sales with a Scatter Plot

1. Prepare the source and scope

Import sales.csv into a new worksheet with headers in row 1. Leave the source columns in their original order for the formulas below. Review the data dictionary before choosing the reporting period. Keep identifiers as text and convert numeric columns explicitly. Save a working copy so you can return to the original fixture.

2. Build the calculation

Use ad_spend as X and revenue as Y. Create an XY scatter chart and distinguish years with separate series. Inspect period coverage before considering a trendline.

=COUNTA(H2:H25)

3. Reconcile and interpret the output

The expected check is matched monthly observations: 24 pairs. There are 24 matched observations. The two years share spending levels but have different revenues, showing an omitted year effect. If your result differs, inspect the selected rows, data types and date filters before changing the formula.

4. Adapt the workflow to a recurring report

Replace the sample with a copy of your own source, retaining the same column meanings and units. Extend bounded ranges to include new rows, refresh PivotTables where used, and compare the result to an independent source total. Record the reporting period and any exclusions beside the output. Correlation does not establish advertising incrementality; seasonality and other changes can explain the relationship.