How to Make a Forest Plot for a Meta-Analysis
A forest plot shows the effect size and confidence interval of each study in a meta-analysis, plus the pooled result. It is the main figure of most systematic reviews.
Parts of a forest plot
- One row per study: a square at the effect estimate and a horizontal line for its 95% CI.
- Square size shows the study's weight in the analysis.
- Diamond: the pooled estimate; its width is the pooled 95% CI.
- Vertical line of no effect: at 1 for ratios (odds ratio, risk ratio, hazard ratio) and at 0 for differences (mean difference, standardised mean difference).
Use the right scale
Ratios should be plotted on a log scale so that 0.5 and 2 sit the same distance from 1. Differences use a normal linear scale.
Data you need
For each study: name, effect estimate, lower CI and upper CI, and optionally the weight. Add the pooled values and heterogeneity (I²) from your meta-analysis software.
Tips
- Label which side favours treatment and which favours control.
- Order studies by year or by effect size, and keep the order consistent with your tables.
- Print the numbers in a column on the right if your journal prefers it.
Make one with the Forest Plot Generator.
Make your figure nowDescribe it or upload a sketch. Free to start.
Open SciFigures
More guides
- How to Make a Graphical Abstract (Step by Step)
- Journal Figure Requirements: Size, DPI and File Formats
- How to Make Good Scientific Figures for Your Thesis
- Colour-Blind Friendly Colour Palettes for Scientific Figures
- How to Draw a Mechanism of Action Diagram
- How to Edit SVG Figures in PowerPoint, Illustrator and Inkscape
- Free BioRender Alternatives for Scientific Figures
- How to Fix AI-Generated Scientific Images Before Using Them
- How to Make a Volcano Plot (and Read One)
- How to Calculate IC50 from a Dose-Response Curve
- Kaplan-Meier Survival Curve Explained (with Example)
- Drug Release Kinetics Models: Zero Order, First Order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas
- SD vs SEM Error Bars: Which Should You Use?
- How to Draw a Research Methodology Flowchart
- Figures for a B.Pharm or M.Pharm Project and Thesis
Popular tools
Graphical Abstract MakerTurn your paper's story into one clear visual summary for the journal submission system.Scientific Figure MakerMake clean, publication-quality figures for papers, theses and posters from a sketch or a sentence.Scientific Illustration MakerDraw polished scientific illustrations in a clean BioRender-like, journal or textbook style.Scientific Poster Figure MakerMake big, readable infographic panels for conference and research posters.Conceptual Framework Diagram MakerShow variables, relationships and hypotheses of your study in one tidy diagram.Biological Pathway Diagram GeneratorDraw metabolic and biological pathways with correct steps, enzymes and arrow directions.