Adjusting the spacing between the edge of the plot and the X-axis in Matplotlib

To adjust the spacing between the edge of the plot and the X-axis in Matplotlib, we can use several methods including tight_layout(), subplots_adjust(), or configure padding parameters. This is useful for preventing axis labels from being cut off or creating better visual spacing.

Using tight_layout() Method

The tight_layout() method automatically adjusts subplot parameters to give specified padding around the plot ?

import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

plt.rcParams["figure.figsize"] = [7.50, 3.50]

x = np.linspace(-2, 2, 100)
y = np.exp(x)

plt.plot(x, y, c='red', lw=1)
plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

Using subplots_adjust() Method

The subplots_adjust() method provides more control by allowing you to specify exact spacing parameters ?

import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

plt.rcParams["figure.figsize"] = [7.50, 3.50]

x = np.linspace(-2, 2, 100)
y = np.exp(x)

plt.plot(x, y, c='blue', lw=1)
plt.subplots_adjust(bottom=0.2)  # Increase bottom spacing
plt.show()

Setting Custom Padding

You can also set custom padding values for all sides of the plot ?

import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

fig, ax = plt.subplots(figsize=(7.50, 3.50))

x = np.linspace(-2, 2, 100)
y = np.exp(x)

ax.plot(x, y, c='green', lw=1)

# Adjust spacing: left, bottom, right, top
plt.subplots_adjust(left=0.1, bottom=0.25, right=0.9, top=0.9)
plt.show()

Parameters for subplots_adjust()

Conclusion

Use tight_layout() for automatic spacing adjustment or subplots_adjust() for precise control over plot margins. The bottom parameter is particularly useful for adjusting X-axis spacing.