Matplotlib vs pygal
A data-driven comparison of two Python plotting libraries: popularity, development activity, licensing and installation. Updated .
Matplotlib2D plotting library.
pygalSVG charting library for Python with many chart types and interactive output.
Key differences
- Matplotlib has 8.4× as many GitHub stars as pygal (23.4K vs 2.8K).
- Matplotlib had more development activity over the last 12 months: 2,119 commits vs 27.
- Matplotlib is downloaded 405× as often on PyPI (44.6M vs 110.2K per week).
- Matplotlib is licensed under PSF-2.0; pygal under LGPL-3.0.
By the numbers
- Matplotlib
- pygal
Show data as a table
| Metric | Matplotlib | pygal |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 23,407 | 2,773 |
| PyPI downloads / week | 44,638,335 | 110,240 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 2,119 | 27 |
| Contributors | 438 | 57 |
| Forks | 8,539 | 417 |
Development activity
Commits per month to each default branch, last 12 complete months.
- Matplotlib
- pygal
Show data as a table
| Month | Matplotlib | pygal |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | 72 | 14 |
| Dec 2025 | 97 | 2 |
| Jan 2026 | 153 | 0 |
| Feb 2026 | 144 | 0 |
| Mar 2026 | 244 | 0 |
| Apr 2026 | 197 | 0 |
| May 2026 | 257 | 0 |
| Jun 2026 | 260 | 10 |
| Jul 2026 | 202 | 1 |
| Aug 2026 | 142 | 0 |
| Sep 2026 | 179 | 0 |
| Oct 2026 | 172 | 0 |
Side by side
| Attribute | Matplotlib | pygal |
|---|---|---|
| Description | 2D plotting library. | SVG charting library for Python with many chart types and interactive output. |
| Category | Python plotting libraries | Python plotting libraries |
| License | PSF-2.0 | LGPL-3.0 |
| Language | Python | Python |
| Status | Active | Maintained |
| Latest release | v3.11.2 () | 3.1.3 () |
| Last commit | ||
| Repository created | ||
| Open issues | 1,050 | 175 |
| Install | pip install matplotlib | pip install pygal |
Which should you choose?
Popularity and activity are only part of the story. Consider which ecosystem you work in, the chart types and interactions you need, how much data you render, and whether the license fits your project. Both tool pages list alternatives if neither is quite right.
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Matplotlib
2D plotting library.
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pygal
SVG charting library for Python with many chart types and interactive output.