The following are true of a dot plot:

• The data may be numerical or categorical.


• Dots, indicating frequencies, are placed vertically above a line labeled with categories or numerical values.


• The dots may represent one count or more if so noted.


• Dot plots are best for organizing a small set of data with a relatively small range.


• A dot plot of numerical data shows the range, outliers, shape, and spread of the data.

A sample dot plot is shown below.

Click on the link below to create your own dot plot.

If a number is deleted the interactive will need to be restarted. Numbers can only be replaced.

Dot Plot Activity

Scores on Final Exams is an example of a histogram.

Scores on Final Exam