What Is A P Chart
What Is A P Chart
Attribute charts: p chart is also known as the control chart for proportions. It is generally used
to analyze the proportions of non-conforming or defective items in a process. It uses binomial
distribution to measure the proportion of defectives or non confirming units in a sample.
In p-chart, proportions are plots on the y-axis and the number of samples on the x-axis. The
centerline of p chart (p̅ ) is the total number of defectives or non-conforming units divided by the
total number of items sampled.
Selection of appropriate control chart is very important in control charts mapping, otherwise
ended up with inaccurate control limits for the data.
X̅ and R chart are used for measurable quantities such as length, weight height. Attribute
control charts are used for attribute data. In other words, the data that counts the number of
defective items or the number of defects per unit. For example number of tubes failed on a
shop floor. Unlike variable charts, only one chart is plotted for attributes.
p chart formulas
1- p̅ = 0.98498
Calculate upper control limit (UCL) and low control limit (LCL). Since the sample sizes are
unequal, the control limits vary from sample interval to sample interval.
Plot the graph with proportion on the y-axis, number of samples on the x-axis. Draw center line
(p̅ ), UCL and LCL.
Interpret the chart: The proportion of defectives on day 13 is higher than the upper control
limit (UCL). Therefore the process is out of control. Black belts or statisticians to identify the
root cause for the cause and take appropriate corrective action to bring the process in control.