Matplotlib vs Toyplot
A data-driven comparison of two Python plotting libraries: popularity, development activity, licensing and installation. Updated .
Matplotlib2D plotting library.
ToyplotThe kid-sized plotting toolkit for Python with grownup-sized goals.
Key differences
- Matplotlib has 52× as many GitHub stars as Toyplot (23.4K vs 449).
- Matplotlib had more development activity over the last 12 months: 2,119 commits vs 26.
- Matplotlib is downloaded 57376× as often on PyPI (44.6M vs 778 per week).
- Matplotlib is licensed under PSF-2.0; Toyplot under BSD.
- Matplotlib is written primarily in Python, Toyplot in Jupyter Notebook.
- Matplotlib is the older project: its repository was created in 2011, Toyplot's in 2014.
By the numbers
- Matplotlib
- Toyplot
Show data as a table
| Metric | Matplotlib | Toyplot |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 23,407 | 449 |
| PyPI downloads / week | 44,638,335 | 778 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 2,119 | 26 |
| Contributors | 438 | 9 |
| Forks | 8,539 | 40 |
Development activity
Commits per month to each default branch, last 12 complete months.
- Matplotlib
- Toyplot
Show data as a table
| Month | Matplotlib | Toyplot |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | 72 | 0 |
| Dec 2025 | 97 | 0 |
| Jan 2026 | 153 | 0 |
| Feb 2026 | 144 | 4 |
| Mar 2026 | 244 | 20 |
| Apr 2026 | 197 | 1 |
| May 2026 | 257 | 1 |
| Jun 2026 | 260 | 0 |
| Jul 2026 | 202 | 0 |
| Aug 2026 | 142 | 0 |
| Sep 2026 | 179 | 0 |
| Oct 2026 | 172 | 0 |
Side by side
| Attribute | Matplotlib | Toyplot |
|---|---|---|
| Description | 2D plotting library. | The kid-sized plotting toolkit for Python with grownup-sized goals. |
| Category | Python plotting libraries | Python plotting libraries |
| License | PSF-2.0 | BSD |
| Language | Python | Jupyter Notebook |
| Status | Active | Maintained |
| Latest release | v3.11.2 () | v2.1.0 () |
| Last commit | ||
| Repository created | ||
| Open issues | 1,050 | 16 |
| Install | pip install matplotlib | pip install toyplot |
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.
-
Matplotlib
2D plotting library.
-
Toyplot
The kid-sized plotting toolkit for Python with grownup-sized goals.