Visualize Data Distribution

Violin plot and distribution comparison

A violin plot uses a mirrored density shape to show where observations are concentrated along a numeric scale. Its width represents estimated density, not necessarily the number of observations. A box plot instead summarizes quartiles and median, so it cannot reveal the same distribution shape.

When it helps

Consider a violin plot when raw observations are available and the shape of each group matters. Small samples often benefit from visible individual points. With only quartiles and extremes, use a box plot and keep the missing density information explicit.

What to check

1. Use observations for density. A range and average do not determine the shape of a distribution.
2. Keep scales comparable. Groups need the same measurement unit and numeric axis.
3. Report group sizes. Similar-looking shapes may come from very different sample counts.
4. Identify smoothing choices. Density estimation can reveal or conceal apparent peaks.
5. Name the displayed form. Do not label a box plot as a violin merely because it compares distributions.

Build it with MyMap

The fixed example displays box plots for three classes with quartiles and additional points. It does not contain violin density silhouettes. Use MyMap to organize a distribution comparison and review the rendered chart before describing it as a violin plot.