Box Plots
Box plots (box-and-whisker diagrams) display the five-number summary of a dataset and are ideal for comparing distributions. Students draw, interpret and compare box plots, calculating the interquartile range and identifying skewness.
Not on the current Cambridge 0580 syllabus (2025-2027).
What You'll Learn
- Drawing a box plot from given data or a cumulative frequency graph
- Identifying the median, quartiles, and range from a box plot
- Comparing two datasets using box plots
- Interpreting the spread and skewness of data
Watch Out For These Mistakes
Students make these errors again and again. Knowing them in advance gives you a head start.
Confusing the interquartile range with the full range
Not using a ruler or drawing to scale on the number line
Making comparisons without referring to specific values (median, IQR)
What Examiners Say About Box Plots
Insights pulled from Cambridge IGCSE (0580) examiner reports — the exact mistakes candidates make every year.
- Common Mistake●●●●●
In probability without replacement, the denominator DECREASES by 1 for each subsequent pick (13 → 12 → 11...). Getting 104/169 instead of the correct answer usually means you forgot this.
Source: CIE 0580 · Feb/March 2024 · Paper 2 · Q25
- Common Mistake●●●●●
For 'exactly one green button' out of two picks, there are TWO orderings: green-then-not OR not-then-green. Calculate one product and DOUBLE it (or add both products).
Source: CIE 0580 · May/June 2023 · Paper 4 · Q15
- Technique●●●●●
In a histogram, bar HEIGHT = frequency density (frequency ÷ class width). Find the scale using a bar whose frequency AND width you know, then apply it to the others.
Source: CIE 0580 · Feb/March 2022 · Paper 4 · Q5b
Based on 3of 500+ insights extracted from CIE 0580 examiner reports (2018–2024).
Exam Coverage
This topic appears in the Cambridge IGCSE past papers. Our AI tutor can help with it on any question.
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Related Topics
Cumulative Frequency
Cumulative frequency diagrams show running totals and are used to estimate the median, quartiles and interquartile range. Students draw the characteristic S-shaped curve and read off values at key percentile positions.
Mean, Median and Mode
Averages are fundamental to data analysis. Students must calculate mean, median, mode and range from raw data, frequency tables and grouped data, and understand which average is most appropriate in different contexts.
Scatter Graphs
Scatter graphs show the relationship between two variables and are used to identify correlation. Students plot data, draw lines of best fit, and use them to make predictions, while understanding the limitations of extrapolation.
Ready to Master Box Plots?
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Worked examples and data interpretation guides