Problem getting a reasonable number of stacks

The aim in a stem and leaf plot is for the 'canopy' of the leaves — the shape formed by the ends of the stacks of leaves — to be a fairly smooth curve. A little irregularity is inevitable, but the leaves should not have too jagged an outline.

The diagram on the right shows this for the Maths mark data.

The stem and leaf plot shows the distribution of marks well, but also allows any student to determine exactly his/her place in the class. For example, a student who got 57/60 can easily count that 7 students got a higher mark in the class.

In most situations however, stem and leaf plots have few advantages over stacked dot plots as graphical displays of data.