How to Create a Statistical Chart

Understand distributions, variation, and ranges in data.

How to create a Statistical Chart in the Advanced Chart Builder

1

Start with the right data

For the chart you need, ensure your dataset includes the correct categorical and numerical fields:

• Box Plot: One category + numeric

• Histogram: One numeric field only

• Range Bar / Area: Two numeric fields defining min and max + one category

2

Open the Advanced Chart Builder

Open the Advanced Chart Builder from a thread or Pin to launch the builder.

3

Open the Chart tab

Select the type of Statistical Chart you need:

• Box Plot: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric by showing its data distribution, spread, and outliers.

• Histogram: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric by grouping continuous data into bins to reveal frequency patterns.

• Range Bar: Used to display the range between high and low values in data by category.

• Range Area: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric over time by highlighting the span between a minimum and maximum value.

4

Go to the Setup tab

• Confirm your Category from the dropdown (e.g., department, program name, grade level)

• Add one or more Series (e.g., enrollment count, average GPA)

• Choose the appropriate aggregation (e.g., Sum, Average)

5

Apply Data Filters

Filter your data to reduce clutter, increase readability, and focus the chart on the story.

6

Customize the Chart (Optional)

Use the Customize tab to adjust the look of your chart:

• Add axis titles and chart labels

• Adjust colors, axis lines, labels, and tooltips

7

Save the Chart

Click Save when you’re ready to apply your changes, or Cancel to discard the changes.

Statistical Chart Use Cases

Need some inspiration? Consider these examples where a Statistical Chart may work well.

• Box Plot

  • Compare test score distributions across different classrooms, schools, or grade levels.

  • Analyze student performance variability on standardized assessments.

  • Compare GPA distributions by department.

  • Highlight outliers in GPA among student populations (e.g., honors vs. general education).

• Histogram

  • Visualize the frequency of student scores on a math exam to identify performance trends.

  • Show how often students attend classes within a certain number of days per semester.

  • Show student age distribution.

• Range Bar / Area

  • Display the range of student attendance across different school weeks.

  • Show minimum and maximum student engagement (e.g., time spent on a learning platform) across course modules.

  • Show test score improvement range across terms.

  • Compare the spread of tuition costs or financial aid offers across universities.

Statistical Chart Tips and Best Practices

• Use box plots to highlight outliers and medians.

• Histograms need enough data for meaningful bins.

  • Ask a question like "Show me the distribution of students by percent grade on their most recent assessment."

• Range charts are ideal for showing progress over time.