When making a graph, do you say x versus y as the title, or y versus x?

Answer 1

I was taught Y vs. X

Answer 2

Since we have answers going both ways, and the use of all caps for ALWAYS going both ways, lets just have some math here and not opinions.

In an 2D data plot, you are relating one parameter to another to describe graphically the relationship between two parameters. You select values for one parameter, and through the mathematical relationship determine the other parameter. The one you pick values for is called the independent variable since its value is not dependent on anything, you just picked it. The one that is mathematically determined is the dependent variable because its value depends on what you picked for the other parameter.

When you plot the data, the horizontal axis (X) is where the independent parameter's values are plotted. The vertical axis (Y) is where the dependent parameter values are plotted.

When you have a function y = f(x) you are saying that the value of Y is determined by what value of X you use in the function. You are saying that Y is dependent upon the chosen value of X.
This is the same thing as saying Y versus X. Therefore, in an XY plot, it is most correct to plot the data such that the dependent parameter values are on X axis, and independent parameter values are on Y axis. By convention this is true to use the X axis as the independent parameter axis. When people who read data plots a lot read yours, they will assume that you have a y = f(x) data set, and that your chosen values were X and your measured or calculated values were Y.

If the function is Y = f(x), this is a Y versus X situation.
If the function is X = f(y) this is an X versus Y situation.
Chosen values on horizontal axis, measured/calculates values on vertical axis. It doesn't matter what you call the variable X or Y, it matters that the independent parameter is plotted on the horizontal axis. When you use time (t) as the horizontal axis, it is still the 'X' axis, but the function is y = f(t) and therefore the data is referred to as Y versus t. You compare data not graphical axes. Don't get the traditional X and Y axis labels confused with actual parameters in your function.

If you have say a simple Boyle's law function, where you say Pressure is a function of Volume, P = f(V), then you are saying that you will force the system into some volumes, and record what the pressure is. You will plot P versus V and P will be plotted on the Y axis and V on the X axis. But you could also say that you are studying the Boyles Law relationship by stating tha6t V = f(P). You could force pressures onto the system and measure the volume. You would then say you have a V versus P situation, plot V on the Y axis and plot P on the Y axis. BOTH plots are Y versus X. One however is P versus V and the other is V versus P.

Better? or worse....?

Answer 3

Everything that BW stated is correct, except I think the author accidentally switched the terms dependant and independent in paragraph 3.

"Therefore, in an XY plot, it is most correct to plot the data such that the dependent parameter values are on X axis, and independent parameter values are on Y axis"

This should read:
Therefore, in an XY plot, it is most correct to plot the data such that the dependent parameter values are on Y axis, and independent parameter values are on X axis

Answer 4

Y vs. X

ALWAYS.

Answer 5

Does not matter much but the more popular approach is that if y=f(x) then you call it "y vs x" and if x=f(y) then you call it "x vs y".

Answer 6

Firat C has it nailed.


Doug

Answer 7

Definitely x vs. y

Answer 8

X Vs. Y

Answer 9

x vs. y

Answer 10

ALWAYS x first then y, so x vs y