Run chart

A run chart, also known as a run-sequence plot is a graph that displays observed data in a time sequence.

Often, the data displayed represent some aspect of the output or performance of a manufacturing or other business process.

Run sequence plots[1] are an easy way to graphically summarize a univariate data set.

A common assumption of univariate data sets is that they behave like:[2] With run sequence plots, shifts in location and scale are typically quite evident.

Typical factors considered include unusually long "runs" of data points above or below the average line, the total number of such runs in the data set, and unusually long series of consecutive increases or decreases.

A simple run chart showing data collected over time. The median of the observed data (73) is also shown on the chart.
Run chart of eight random walks in one dimension starting at 0. The plot shows the current position on the line (vertical axis) versus the time steps (horizontal axis).