How to Use the Xbar-s Chart
Use the Xbar-s chart chart when your sample size is 10 or more (n≥10). This scenario is most common when a lot of data is available (or necessary) and the data acquisition cost is low.
For example, you might use this chart for data taken from Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or other automated data-collection devices. Injection molding, multihead fill operations, and continuous high-speed production lines on which many measurements can be gathered quickly and affordably are all good environments for this type of chart.
Each of the special use case examples described on this page presume a large sample size (i.e., 10 or more).