How this calculator works
Divide each absolute observation by the leaf unit. Its final base-ten digit becomes the leaf and the remaining digits become the stem. A minus sign applies to the whole value, including a signed zero stem for small negatives. Rows follow increasing original values; negative leaves therefore appear in descending digit order. The tool rejects precision that cannot fit the selected leaf unit rather than silently rounding data.
Formula
For unit u, |x|/u = 10 × stem magnitude + leaf, where leaf is an integer from 0 through 9. Restore the original sign after reconstruction.
Worked example
With leaf unit 1, values 12, 15, 18 form stem 1 with leaves 2 5 8. With leaf unit 0.1, -0.3 appears as -0 | 3.
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Frequently asked questions
Why can a stem be -0?
It preserves the sign for negative values whose stem magnitude is zero, such as -3 with a ones leaf.
Will extra decimal places be discarded?
No. Choose a finer leaf unit if an observation cannot be represented.
Are missing stems inserted?
Only stems with observations are listed. Gaps in the stem sequence indicate empty ranges.