Box-and-Whisker Plots

Overview

Goal. Summarize a data set with its five-number summary, draw a box-and-whisker plot from it, and compare two plots by their medians and spreads.

Five-number summary (definition). The minimum, first quartile, median, third quartile, and maximum of a data set — the five values a box plot draws.

Five-number summaries, drawing the box and whiskers, and reading quarters of data off a plot.

Flip through the notes one page at a time using the buttons below.

Watch the lesson video.

Goal. Build a box-and-whisker plot from a five-number summary and read medians, quartiles, and quarters of data off a finished plot.

Five-number summary (definition). The minimum, first quartile, median, third quartile, and maximum of a data set — the five values a box plot draws.