Scatter Plot X-Axis Date Issue

[Rehansaeed2024]

I have a requirement to Show the data on a Scatter plot. X-Axis should show 'MMM-YYYY' format but at the same time I also would like to see the bubbles for all the dates making up for that months so for Example for Apr-2025 I wantt o see the bubbles for 4/1/2025, 4/5/2025 etc.

[v-kpoloju-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @Rehansaeed2024,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum. Also, thanks to @rehansaeed2468, @Nabha-Ahmed, @Jaywant-Thorat, @amitchandak, I reproduced the scenario again, and it worked on my end. I used it as sample data and successfully implemented it.

outcome:

I am also including .pbix file for your better understanding, please have a look into it.

Hope this clears it up. Let us know if you have any doubts regarding this. We will be happy to help.

Thank you for using the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @Rehansaeed2024,

Just checking in to see if the issue has been resolved on your end. If the earlier suggestions helped, that’s great to hear! And if you’re still facing challenges, feel free to share more details happy to assist further.

Thank you.

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @Rehansaeed2024,

Just wanted to follow up. If the shared guidance worked for you, that’s wonderful hopefully it also helps others looking for similar answers. If there’s anything else you'd like to explore or clarify, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you.

[rehansaeed2468]

Here is a sample data. I would like to show 'mmm - yyyy' on X-Axis and would like to show all the Product ID bubbles during that month.

Product ID	Order Date	Sales
1	1/1/2025	50
2	1/1/2025	20
3	1/10/2025	30
4	1/10/2025	10
5	2/15/2025	5
6	2/15/2025	60
7	2/20/2025	30

[Nabha-Ahmed]

Hi  @Rehansaeed2024 i hope you are doing well!

1. Create a proper Date table (if not already):

    

   DateTable = ADDCOLUMNS ( CALENDAR (DATE(2024,1,1), DATE(2026,12,31)), "MonthYear", FORMAT ( [Date], "MMM-YYYY" ) )

   1. Create a numeric Month key (important for sorting & axis control):

       

      MonthYearSort = YEAR([Date]) * 100 + MONTH([Date])

      1. In the Scatter chart:

         • X-Axis → Use the actual Date column (not MonthYear)

         • X-Axis Type → Continuous

         • Y-Axis → Your metric

         • Details → Date (or Transaction ID) → this ensures one bubble per date

         • Legend / Size → As needed

           1. Format the X-Axis to show Month-Year only

              • Go to Format → X-Axis

              • Set Display units = None

              • Set Concatenate labels = Off

              • Set Minimum category width (adjust until Month labels look clean)

                1. (Optional – clearer month separation)
                   Create a Month Start column:

                    

                   MonthStart = DATE(YEAR([Date]), MONTH([Date]), 1)

                   Use MonthStart on the X-Axis (continuous) and keep Date in Details.

[rehansaeed2468]

Can u pls attach a sample PBIX File if possible

[Jaywant-Thorat]

Great question. This is a classic Scatter Chart + Date granularity limitation in Power BI.
Let me explain why this happens and then give you solid, practical solutions.

Why the problem occurs?

1. A Scatter chart X-axis is always continuous
2. When you put Date on X-axis:
   • Power BI plots each individual date (which is good )
   • But formatting it as MMM-YYYY collapses visual meaning, because multiple dates now look like the same label

So you want:

• Granularity = Daily (4/1, 4/5, etc.)
• Label appearance = Monthly (Apr-2025)

This requires separating sorting logic from display logic.

----------------------

SOLUTION: Use a numeric Month Axis + Tooltip for actual dates

Step 1: Create supporting columns

In your Date table (or fact table if needed):

---DAX Code---

MonthStart = DATE(YEAR('Date'[Date]), MONTH('Date'[Date]), 1)

MonthIndex = YEAR('Date'[Date]) * 100 + MONTH('Date'[Date])

MonthYearLabel = FORMAT('Date'[Date], "MMM-yyyy")

---DAX Code---

Step 2: Configure the Scatter Chart

Scatter Property & its Value

• X-Axis ==> MonthIndex
• Details ==> Date (very important)
• Y-Axis ==> Your measure
• Tooltips ==> Date, measures
• X-Axis Type ==> Continuous

Step 3: Fix the X-axis label

• Go to X-axis formatting
• Turn Concatenate labels = OFF
• Set Custom label using MonthYearLabel (if using tooltips or titles)

Result:

• Bubbles plotted for each date
• Dates cluster within the same month
• X-axis visually represents Apr-2025, May-2025, etc.

What this gives you visually

For Apr-2025:

• Separate bubbles for:
  • 4/1/2025
  • 4/5/2025
  • 4/12/2025
• All aligned under Apr-2025
• No loss of detail

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[rehansaeed2468]

Can u pls attach a sample PBIX File if possible. Also I dont see the option Turn Concatenate labels = OFF

[amitchandak]

@Rehansaeed2024 , Format you date as "MMM-YYYY" and try. It should be date just formatted,

Or add the date to the details.