Ridgeline Plot Maker
Paste one numeric column per group to build a ridgeline plot (also called a joyplot) — stacked, slightly overlapping density curves. It is the ideal way to show how a distribution shifts across an ordered sequence such as months or categories.
How it works
A ridgeline plot stacks a density curve for each group along a shared value axis, with the curves overlapping slightly like a mountain range. It excels at showing how a distribution changes across an ordered set of groups — the movement, widening or splitting of the peak from one row to the next tells the story at a glance. Paste one numeric column per group; the header row names the rows, which are drawn from top to bottom.
Each curve is a Gaussian kernel density estimate, scaled so neighbouring ridges overlap for depth without hiding each other, and the chart re-colours for light and dark themes. Paste comma-, tab- or space-separated columns and screenshot the result.
Examples
- Each column becomes one ridge; rows are stacked top to bottom.
- A peak that drifts rightward down the rows shows an increasing trend.
- Overlapping ridges give the plot its characteristic mountain-range look.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a ridgeline plot?
- A ridgeline plot, or joyplot, is a series of density curves stacked vertically and slightly overlapping, used to compare how a distribution changes across an ordered set of groups.
- When should I use one?
- When you have many groups in a natural order — months, ages, categories — and want to see how the distribution shifts or spreads across them in a compact space.
- How are the curves computed?
- Each curve is a Gaussian kernel density estimate of its group's values, scaled so adjacent ridges overlap for a sense of depth.
- What data does it need?
- One numeric column per group, with an optional header row of group names that label the rows from top to bottom.