Basic Barplot using Matplotlib

logo of a chart:Bar

This post describes how to build a basic barplot using matplotlib.

Libraries & Dataset

A barplot shows the relationship between a numeric and a categoric variable.

Let's load the numpy and matplotlib libraries that are necessary to build a barplot. If you're not familiar with matplotlib yet, it is the most widespread library for dataviz in python, and the gallery has a dedicated section on it.

Then, let's build a small dataset.

# Libraries
import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

# Create dataset
height = [3, 12, 5, 18, 45]
bars = ('A', 'B', 'C', 'D', 'E')
x_pos = np.arange(len(bars))

Basic barplot

This example shows probably the most basic barplot you can do with python and matplotlib. The bar() function used with the following parameters:

  • x : The x coordinates of the bars. (x_pos in the example)
  • height : The height(s) of the bars.
# Create bars
plt.bar(x_pos, height)

# Create names on the x-axis
plt.xticks(x_pos, bars)

# Show graphic
plt.show()

Going further

This post explains how to create a basic barplot using matplotlib!

For more examples of how to create or customize your barplots, see the barplot section. You may also be interested in how to custom colors in a barplot.

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    dataviz decision tree poster