What is the first step in creating a scatter chart in Excel?

The first step in creating a scatter chart in Excel involves selecting the cells where the data is contained. This foundational action is crucial because it defines the data set that will be visualized in the scatter chart. By selecting the relevant data, you ensure that the chart reflects the specific values you want to analyze or present. Without selecting the data first, the software would not have the necessary information to generate the chart.

Once the data is selected, you can then proceed to choose the scatter chart option from the insert menu. Following that, formatting the cells and labeling the axes are steps that enhance the chart but are not prerequisites for its creation. Therefore, starting with the selection of data is essential for the successful generation of the scatter chart.