• The original data, from which the averages and ranges are calculated.
• Two charts— a chart of sample means ( 's) and a chart of ranges.
  
• Supporting information, including the title block or header information and notes on the process.
  

The chart below chart records glue amounts applied to veneer layers in making plywood. Since the glue is expensive it is important to apply just the amount of glue needed for bonding. The blue labels show the parts common to x-bar R charts. The blank chart is from the American Society for Quality.

The header information is not completely filled in for this chart, but we see the process is the "glue line", the data are from booth 2 in the glue line, and the specification limits are 27 grams plus or minus 2 grams.

Time and date information has been recorded for all but one sample. Five samples were taken on January 2 during the day shift, three on the swing shift, and one on graveyard shift.

Each sample consists of three measurements. The average and range calculations go in the boxes below each sample. The average of the Jan.3 10:30 AM sample is 27 and the range of the 1:30 PM sample is 2.

The sample means ( 's) and ranges (r's) are then plotted as points in the chart area. They are usually connected with a lines because the data have been taken in sequence over time. The vertical scale for each chart should be chose to allow all data points to fit on the chart. Usual scales go by 1's, 2's, 5's, 10's and so forth-- numbers which are easy to read and plot.

The dashed line in the middle of the upper chart shows the mean of all the sample means () , also called x double bar or the grand average. The grand average is the same as the average of all individual measurements.
Another dashed line shows the average range, , in the lower chart.

The control limits, corresponding to the grand average plus or minus 3 standard deviations, are drawn as solid lines. Formulas, factors and computations for the control limits are written in forms on the back of this chart. You can see some of them showing through is this computer scanned version.

Notes about the process, such as changes in material or adjustments need to be marked on the chart. this chart lacks good supporting notes-- there is one note on the first day, and the shift information. This chart is missing another important item-- the initials or name of the person taking each sample.