When should I use a stem-and-leaf plot?

Small datasets (<50 values) ● Teaching statistics ● When individual values matter

When should I avoid a stem-and-leaf plot?

Large datasets ● Digital dashboards (better suited to print/teaching)

What are common mistakes with stem-and-leaf plots?

Using with too many data points ● Inconsistent stem units

Distribution

Stem-and-Leaf Plot

Q: When should I use a stem-and-leaf plot?

Small datasets (<50 values) ● Teaching statistics ● When individual values matter

Q: When should I avoid a stem-and-leaf plot?

Large datasets ● Digital dashboards (better suited to print/teaching)

Q: What are common mistakes with stem-and-leaf plots?

Using with too many data points ● Inconsistent stem units

Hybrid of table and histogram that preserves individual data values while showing distribution shape.

Test Score Stem-and-Leaf

Midterm exam results

View data (14 rows)

Chart data table: Test Score Stem-and-Leaf
Value
45
48
52
55
58
60
62
65
68
72
75
78
80
85

Make a stem-and-leaf plot with your data

Use a stem-and-leaf plot when…

Small datasets (<50 values)
Teaching statistics
When individual values matter

Avoid when…

Large datasets
Digital dashboards (better suited to print/teaching)

Data it needs

Property	Value
Min Rows	5
Min Columns	1
Column Types	number

Visual anatomy

Marks

text

Channels

position-ytext-value

Axes

stem (leading digits)leaf (trailing digits)

Guiding principles

Common mistakes

Using with too many data points
Inconsistent stem units

History

Invented by John Tukey in the 1970s as part of exploratory data analysis.

Accessibility notes

The leaf digits themselves are the accessible representation — each one is a real value. Ensure the text content is selectable and readable by screen readers, not rendered as opaque SVG paths.

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