Modified Boxplots

The adjusted minimum equals Q1 minus 1.5 times the interquartile range (IQR). The adjusted maximum equals Q3 plus 1.5 times the IQR. These calculated values replace the standard minimum and maximum, creating boundaries that help identify outliers beyond the typical data spread.

A standard boxplot displays the five-number summary but doesn't identify outliers. A modified boxplot uses adjusted minimum and maximum values based on the IQR to clearly mark values beyond these limits as outliers with asterisks, providing better visual insight into data distribution and what are outliers.

In a modified boxplot, whiskers are shortened and repositioned to extend only to the adjusted minimum and maximum values calculated using the 1.5 times IQR formula. This contrasts with standard boxplots where whiskers extend to the actual minimum and maximum data values.

The 1.5 times IQR rule establishes a consistent statistical boundary for detecting unusual values that deviate significantly from the central data cluster. Values falling outside this range are marked with asterisks, making outliers visually distinct and helping analysts recognize extreme or anomalous data points.

A modified boxplot explicitly identifies and marks outliers with asterisks, showing which values lie far from the center. It also visualizes the actual spread of typical data by adjusting whisker positions, providing clearer insight into data distribution patterns and the presence of extreme values.

A value is classified as an outlier if it falls below the adjusted minimum (Q1 minus 1.5 times IQR) or above the adjusted maximum (Q3 plus 1.5 times IQR). These outliers are plotted individually with asterisks rather than included within the whisker range.

The interquartile range (IQR) is the foundation for calculating adjusted boundaries in a modified boxplot. Multiplying the IQR by 1.5 and adding or subtracting from Q3 and Q1 respectively determines the whisker endpoints and defines which values qualify as outliers.