How do I create a lollipop chart in R with ggplot2?

Use geom_segment() + geom_point() from the ggplot2 package. Variables needed: 1 categorical + 1 numerical.

What data types work with a lollipop chart?

A lollipop chart works best with categorical, numerical data. It requires 1 categorical + 1 numerical.

ComparisonRanking CategoricalNumerical

Lollipop Chart

ggplot2: geom_segment() + geom_point() · Package: ggplot2 · Variables: 1 categorical + 1 numerical

WHAT IS A LOLLIPOP CHART?

A lollipop chart uses a thin line capped with a dot instead of a thick bar, providing a cleaner and less cluttered alternative to bar charts — especially when you have many categories. The visual emphasis falls on the endpoint (the dot) rather than the bar area, making it easier to read precise values. Lollipop charts are popular for displaying ranked data, feature importance scores in machine learning, and any comparison where visual weight of bars would be distracting. In ggplot2, combine geom_segment() (for the stick) with geom_point() (for the dot).

BEST FOR

· Many categories with less clutter
· Ranked data visualization
· Feature importance scores

AVOID WHEN

· Very few categories
· When filled bar weight conveys meaning

R + GGPLOT2 CODE EXAMPLE

ggplot2

df <- data.frame(car = rownames(mtcars)[1:10], mpg = mtcars$mpg[1:10])
ggplot(df, aes(x = reorder(car, mpg), y = mpg)) +
  geom_segment(aes(xend = car, y = 0, yend = mpg), color = "grey60") +
  geom_point(color = "#ff6a00", size = 3) +
  coord_flip() +
  labs(title = "MPG Lollipop Chart", x = NULL, y = "MPG")