Methods and formulas for Run Chart

Select the method or formula of your choice.

Number of runs about the median

The number of runs about the median is the total number of runs above the median and the total number of runs below the median.

A run about the median is one or more consecutive points on the same side of the center line. A run ends when the line that connects the points crosses the center line. A new run begins with the next plotted point.

Expected number of runs about the median

Formula

The expected number of runs above and below the median is:

Notation

TermDescription
m number of points > center line
nnumber of points ≤ center line
Ntotal number of observations

Longest run about the median

The number of points in the longest run above or below the median. A point that falls on the center line belongs to the run below the median.

Approximate p-value for clustering

A p-value that is less than the specified level of significance indicates a tendency for clustering.

Formula

Assuming a standard normal distribution, p-value = cdf(Z).

Where:

Notation

TermDescription
cdf cumulative probability to Z
R total number of runs
m number of points > center line
n number of points ≤ center line
N total number of points

Approximate p-value for mixtures

A p-value that is less than the specified level of significance indicates a tendency to mix or alternate direction, which suggests that the data may come from different processes.

Formula

Assuming a standard normal distribution, p-value = 1 – cdf(Z).

Where:

Notation

TermDescription
cdf cumulative probability to Z
R total number of runs
m number of points > center line
n number of points ≤ center line
N total number of points

Number of runs up or down

The number of runs up or down is the total count of upward and downward runs in your data.

A run up is an upward run of consecutive points that exclusively increases. A run down is a downward run of consecutive points that exclusively decreases. A run ends when the direction (either up or down) changes. For example, when the preceding value is smaller, a run up begins and continues until the proceeding value is larger than the next point, then a run down begins.

Expected number of runs up or down

Formula

The expected number of runs up or down is:

Notation

TermDescription
m number of points > center line
nnumber of points ≤ center line

Longest run up or down

The number of points in the longest run up or down.

Approximate p-value for oscillation

A p-value that is less than the specified level of significance indicates oscillation.

Formula

Assuming a standard normal distribution, p-value = 1 – cdf(Z).

Where:

Notation

TermDescription
cdf cumulative probability to Z
V number of runs up or down
N total number of points