Components of a stem-and-leaf plot:

(1) Main title for the plot
(2) A complete number scale (stem) that accommodates the extreme values of the data set
(3) Values for the "stem" written vertically from least (top) to greatest (bottom) values. This is the most commonly referenced way to organize data for the stem.
(4) Values for the "leaves" written from least to greatest, with the least value closest to the stem (Commas that separate the "leaf" values are not necessary.)
(5) A vertical line separating the "stem" from the "leaves"
(6) A key

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Notes:

(1) This display is know also as a stem-and-leaf diagram
(2) Students may draw a first draft of their stem-and-leaf plot prior to constructing the organized, or final, version. The first draft is not acceptable for receiving a full score on MSPAP.
(3) All stem values for the range of the data set should be included even when no leaf values exist (see the stem value "8" above). This helps students easily identify a gap in data.