How do I make a box plot from my data?
Choose a local CSV, Excel, JSON or Parquet file, or paste CSV with a header row. Choose the fields in the controls to draw and edit your chart; xmetric processes the data in this browser.
No data loaded. Choose your own file or try the sample.
What does a box plot show?
A box plot summarizes a numeric distribution using its median, quartiles and whiskers.
Definition source: Box plot reference. xmetric uses its own native chart engine.
What does the box plot sample show?
Choose Category and Value. North has observations 12, 15 and 20 with median 15; South has 18, 24 and 28 with median 24. Quartile conventions can differ across tools.
Source: the illustrative input rows below, also supplied by Try sample data. This is an example, not a result from your file.
| Period | Category | Value | Other | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North | 12 | 8 | 3 |
| 2 | South | 18 | 13 | 6 |
| 3 | North | 15 | 17 | 4 |
| 4 | South | 24 | 21 | 9 |
| 5 | North | 20 | 19 | 5 |
| 6 | South | 28 | 30 | 8 |
When should I choose a box plot instead of a histogram?
Choose a histogram when the shape and frequency of numeric intervals matter more than a compact group summary.
| Chart | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Box plot | A box plot summarizes a numeric distribution using its median, quartiles and whiskers. |
| Histogram | Choose a histogram when the shape and frequency of numeric intervals matter more than a compact group summary. |
What limits apply to my data?
These limits apply to tabular imports, not native Power BI or Tableau report compatibility. File size and browser memory limit what xmetric can open. Group large datasets before drawing a chart.
| Limit | Current behavior |
|---|---|
| File size | 32 MiB on constrained devices; 160 MiB otherwise |
| Imported rows | Up to 3,500,000 |
| Chart marks | Up to 10,000 |
| Download | SVG chart |
Source: xmetric limits and verification record, checked 2026-10-27. These are product limits, not file-format limits.
Can I chart a CSV without uploading my data?
Yes. xmetric reads the selected file or pasted CSV in your browser. Opening and editing this local chart does not upload the file.
Which columns does this box plot need?
Show medians, quartiles and 1.5 × IQR whiskers across individual numeric observations in each category. Start with Category and Numeric observations. Choose the additional series, target or date fields when the controls request them.
Can I export the chart and keep editing it?
Yes. Download SVG for a static chart, or choose Continue editing in xmetric to carry the data and selected chart into the app. Check the chart before sharing it.