1. What Is a Stem and Leaf Plot?

A stem and leaf plot is a method for displaying quantitative data in a graphical format, similar to a histogram, but showing the actual numerical values. Each data value is split into a "stem" (typically the first digit or digits) and a "leaf" (usually the last digit).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator processes your input data by:

• 1. Sorting the numbers in ascending order
• 2. Splitting each number into stem (tens digit) and leaf (units digit)
• 3. Organizing them in a table with stems on the left and leaves on the right

3. When to Use Stem and Leaf Plots

Best for:

• Small datasets (typically less than 150 data points)
• When you need to see exact values while visualizing distribution
• Comparing distributions between two datasets
• Identifying outliers and gaps in the data

Not ideal for:

• Very large datasets
• Data with a wide range of values
• When precise graphical representation is needed

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions:

1. Enter your numerical data in the text area
2. Separate numbers by spaces, commas, or new lines
3. Click "Create Plot" to generate the stem and leaf display
4. Read the plot with the key to interpret values

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the advantage over a histogram?
A: Stem and leaf plots preserve the original data values while showing distribution, unlike histograms which bin the data.

Q2: How should I split stems and leaves?
A: Typically split at the decimal point or between digits. Our calculator uses tens and units digits by default.

Q3: Can I use this for decimal numbers?
A: Yes, but you may need to adjust how stems and leaves are defined (e.g., round first).

Q4: What if my data has negative numbers?
A: Negative numbers can be accommodated with a separate negative stem section.

Q5: How many stems should a good plot have?
A: Ideally 5-20 stems. Too many makes it cluttered, too few loses detail.