Density Chart | the R Graph Gallery

Using the ggplot2 library

A density plot shows the distribution of a numeric variable. In ggplot2, the geom_density() function takes care of the kernel density estimation and plot the results. A common task in dataviz is to compare the distribution of several groups. The graph #135 provides a few guidelines on how to do so.

Most basic

The most basic density plot you can do with ggplot2.

Custom appearance

Use the theme_ipsum to improve the general appearance of the previous basic density chart.

Mirror density chart

Put 2 density charts face to face to compare the distribution of 2 numeric variables.

Multi density chart

Explains how to display several density charts on the same axis, and the potential associated caveats.

Multi density with annotation

It is a good practice to write group names next to shapes instead of adding a legend beside the chart.

Small multiple

If you have several groups, plotting them on the same axis often results in a cluttered and unreadable figure. Use small multiple to avoid that.

Stacked density chart

Stack groups on of top of each other. Allows to study the whole, but makes it hard to study each group.

Marginal distribution

Add marginal distribution around your scatterplot with ggExtra and the ggMarginal function.

Density with labels

The geomtextpath package allows to add labels directly on lines of a density plot.