how to create stem and leaf plot in excel

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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15-01-2025

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A stem-and-leaf plot is a simple yet effective way to visualize the distribution of numerical data. Unlike histograms, stem-and-leaf plots retain the original data values, offering a detailed view of data spread. While Excel doesn't have a built-in function for creating stem-and-leaf plots, we can easily construct one using its features. This guide will walk you through the process.

Understanding Stem and Leaf Plots

Before diving into Excel, let's quickly review the concept. A stem-and-leaf plot organizes data by separating each value into a "stem" (the leading digit(s)) and a "leaf" (the trailing digit(s)). This arrangement provides a visual representation of data frequency and distribution.

Example: Consider the data set: 23, 25, 28, 31, 33, 33, 38, 41, 45.

• Stems: The tens digits (2, 3, 4).
• Leaves: The units digits (3, 5, 8, 1, 3, 3, 8, 1, 5).

The resulting stem-and-leaf plot would look like this:

2 | 3 5 8
3 | 1 3 3 8
4 | 1 5

Creating a Stem and Leaf Plot in Excel: Step-by-Step Guide

Excel doesn't offer a direct function for stem-and-leaf plots. However, we can achieve this using a combination of formulas and formatting. Here’s how:

1. Prepare Your Data:

• Enter your numerical data into a single column in Excel. Let's assume your data is in column A, starting from cell A1.

2. Extract Stems:

• In a new column (e.g., column B), use the INT function to extract the stem. The specific formula will depend on the number of digits in your data. For two-digit numbers:

  =INT(A1/10) (This divides by 10 and takes the integer part)

  For three-digit numbers:

  =INT(A1/100) (This divides by 100 and takes the integer part)

  Adjust the divisor accordingly for different numbers of digits.

3. Extract Leaves:

• In another column (e.g., column C), use the MOD function to extract the leaf. For two-digit numbers:

  =MOD(A1,10) (This finds the remainder after dividing by 10)

  For three-digit numbers:

  =MOD(A1,10) (The remainder after dividing by 10 remains the leaf regardless of number of digits in the stem)

4. Sort the Data:

• Select columns B and C. Go to the "Data" tab and click "Sort."
• Sort by column B (Stems) in ascending order. This groups the data by stem.

5. Create the Plot:

• Manually arrange the data to resemble a stem-and-leaf plot. This is the most time-consuming step, but is necessary due to Excel's limitations in directly creating the plot's visual structure.

• You'll create a visual representation in a new column or area by writing the stems and then their corresponding leaves next to them. For instance, you might write:

  2 | 3 5 8
  3 | 1 3 3 8
  4 | 1 5
  

• You can use the "Merge & Center" formatting option to improve appearance.

6. (Optional) Add a Title and Labels:

• Add a title explaining what the plot represents.
• Clearly label the "Stem" and "Leaf" sections.

Example with Sample Data

Let's create a stem and leaf plot for the data: 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 24, 29, 32, 35, 38, 41, 45

1. Data Entry: Enter this data in column A.

2. Extract Stems (Column B): =INT(A1/10)

3. Extract Leaves (Column C): =MOD(A1,10)

4. Sort: Sort columns B and C by column B (ascending).

5. Manual Plot Creation: Arrange the sorted data to create the plot:

1 | 2 5 8
2 | 1 4 4 9
3 | 2 5 8
4 | 1 5

Limitations and Alternatives

While this method works, it’s manual and not ideal for large datasets. For more complex analysis or larger datasets, consider using statistical software packages like R or SPSS, which offer dedicated functions for creating stem-and-leaf plots automatically.

This guide provides a practical approach to creating stem-and-leaf plots in Excel, enabling you to visualize your data effectively even without specialized statistical tools. Remember to adapt the formulas based on the number of digits in your data.