Stem and leaf plot

Math Glossary

A resource for WE & Friends Mathematics and Science Projects

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This glossary is far from complete. We are constantly adding math terms.
For instructions on adding new terms, please refer to Math Glossary Main Page

Definition

Stem and Leaf Plot A quasi-graphical representation of numerical data, useful for visualizing the shape of a distribution. Each data value is split into a stem and a leaf. The leaf is usually the final digit of the number; the other digits to the left of the leaf form the stem. The stems are placed in a vertical list, with each matched leaf listed to one side. Very useful for visualizing small data sets with no more than two significant digits. Also called stemplot and stem and leaf graph.

Examples

1. In the number 96, the 9 is the stem and the 6 is the leaf.

Tip: To show a one-digit number (such as 7) using a stem and leaf plot, use a stem of 0 and a leaf of 7.

2. Need an example

3. A rather interesting, non-statistical use of the stem and leaf plot is shown below. The image depicts a bus schedule, from the Redwood Transit System, as a stem and leaf plot. The hour is displayed as the stem. The minutes, shown separately for southbound (left of center) and northbound (right of center), make up the leaves.

Web Resources

Stem and Leaf Graphs (Stemplots) Stem and Leaf Displays Stem-and-Leaf Plots