Week 14 Standout Viz – Build a Box Plot

What is a Box Plot?

A box plot, also called a box-and-whisker plot, is a chart type that summarizes how data is distributed. It visualizes:

  • The minimum and maximum values

  • The median (middle value)

  • The interquartile range (IQR), which shows where the middle 50% of the data sits

You’ll often see box plots used in:

  • Scientific research

  • Academic reports

  • Comparative data analysis

  • Anywhere you want to spot outliers or check for data symmetry

In Tableau, you can build a box plot using:

  • The “Show Me” menu

  • Dimensions on Columns or Rows

  • Measures in the Detail or Tooltip shelf

  • Optional enhancements like color, size, and filters

With summer in full swing, this week’s challenge is all about matcha; that green, energizing drink you see everywhere.

The dataset includes nutrition information for three popular Starbucks matcha beverages. It encourages participants to explore how portion size and milk type affect nutritional value using box plots.

The Dataset includes:

  • Drink Name – Beverage name

  • Size – Tall, Grande, or Venti

  • Energy (kJ) – Kilojoules

  • Energy (kcal) – Calories

  • Fat (g) – Total fat

  • Of which saturated (g) – Saturated fat

  • Carbohydrates (g) – Total carbs

  • Of which Sugar (g) – Sugars

  • Fibre (g) – Dietary fiber

  • Protein (g) – Protein content

  • Salt (g) – Salt content

  • Caffeine (g) – Caffeine content

Standout Viz of the Week: Starbuck Matcha Nutrition by Izumi

Click here to view the dashboard on Tableau Public

Why it Stands Out:

  • Easy to Understand Box Plots: The box plots clearly show how the nutrition values change across drink sizes. It helps the viewer quickly spot differences in calories, sugar, and fat.

  • Well-Labeled & Educational: The viz clearly labels each box plot by measure, like fat, protein, or carbs, with an easy-to-follow legend that guides the viewer through the complexity.

  • Real-World Relevance: A callout on how milk choice affects nutrition is not only informative but actionable. It adds meaning beyond just numbers, helping viewers make smarter beverage choices.

  • Clean Layout: The design is neat and well-organized. Everything is spaced nicely, so your eyes can move across the viz without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Nice Color Choice: The soft green tones fit the matcha theme perfectly. They give the viz a calm and polished feel while keeping the focus on the data.

Want to Learn Box Plot?

Here are a few helpful resources to get you started with Box Plot:

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Big thanks to Izumi for an elegant and educational viz that uses box plots not just as a chart type, but as a way to deliver real-world insight.

Victory Omovrah