Stem-and-leaf plots

Math

Definition

A way to display quantitative data where each value is split into a 'stem' (all digits except the last) and a 'leaf' (the last digit). This preserves the actual data values while showing the shape of the distribution.

Examples

  • Data: 23, 25, 28, 31, 34 → Stem 2: leaves 3,5,8; Stem 3: leaves 1,4
  • Back-to-back stem-and-leaf plots compare two data sets side by side

Related Terms

Histograms and dotplots Mean median mode Bar graphs

Study This Concept

Practice stem-and-leaf plots with free review games in these units:

Pre-Algebra Unit 10: Data and Statistics