A histogram is a graphical representation of numerical data, providing an accurate depiction of the data’s distribution and allowing for the identification of patterns like common values or outliers.
They are commonly utilized in statistics, data analysis, and quality control.
How to Create a Histogram in Google Sheets
There are multiple methods available to create a histogram in Google Sheets, with the most frequently used one being the Histogram tool in the Chart Editor. This particular method is suggested for users who have a good understanding of Google Sheets and the Chart Editor.
Method 1: Use the Histogram Tool in the Chart Editor
- To access the Chart Editor, go to the menu and select Insert > Chart.
- Choose the Histogram option from the Chart Editor sidebar.
- Adjust the histogram settings in the Chart Editor sidebar.
- To insert the histogram into the spreadsheet, click on the “Insert” button.
Method 2: Use the FREQUENCY Function
The FREQUENCY function is used to create a histogram in Google Sheets. It returns the count of data points within a set of consecutive and ascending ranges.
- Please input the data you wish to use for the histogram either in a single column or in multiple columns.
- Please choose the cell where you would like the histogram to be displayed.
- Please input the FREQUENCY function into the designated cell.
- Configure the FREQUENCY function.
Configuring the Histogram Settings
The histogram settings in Google Sheets can be configured through the Chart Editor sidebar.
Data Range
The data range refers to the range of cells that contain the data to be used for creating the histogram. You can set this by entering the desired range in the Data Range field located in the Chart Editor sidebar.
Bin Range
The bin range refers to the range of cells that contains the data used to create the histogram. This configuration can be found in the Bin Range field in the Chart Editor sidebar.
Interval
The interval refers to the size of the bins used for data grouping. This setting can be adjusted in the Interval field within the Chart Editor sidebar.
Histogram Type
The histogram type can be selected and adjusted in the Histogram Type field within the Chart Editor sidebar.
Viewing the Histogram
The histogram will appear in the spreadsheet after it has been created. As new data is added to the data range, the histogram will update automatically. If you need to make changes to the histogram, you can do so in the Chart Editor. To open the Chart Editor, select the histogram and click Edit from the toolbar.
- What is a Histogram?
- Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a histogram in Google Sheets.
- How can a histogram be customized in Google Sheets?
- Instructions on creating a double histogram in Google Sheets.
- Conclusion
Visualizations provide insight into data. Different visualizations represent data differently, aiding understanding. Google Sheets offers various charts, but the choice is yours. The histogram displays the value distribution of a variable in intervals. These intervals, called bins or buckets, show the frequency of values in the data.
This guide provides information on histograms, including their differences from column or bar charts, as well as instructions on creating one in Google Sheets. It also includes step-by-step instructions on setting up data, creating the histogram, and customizing it. Additionally, it covers creating a histogram using two sets of data.
The histogram is a type of chart that is commonly used to depict the distribution of values for a specific variable. The range of values is divided into equal-sized bins or buckets along the x-axis, each representing an interval within this range. The height of the bins along the y-axis signifies the frequency at which values in that interval occur.
Histograms and column or bar charts may look similar, but they serve different purposes. Column or bar charts are typically used for categorical data, such as survey responses. On the other hand, histograms are used to show the distribution of numerical values, like age or grades.
You can use a histogram to display the scores distribution for a test. The range of scores is determined by the lowest and highest score, and you divide it into equal-sized bins. Then, you assign the scores to their respective bins and count the occurrences in each bin. Another option is to let Google Sheets handle all of this for you.
To create a histogram chart in Google Sheets, select the range of cells with your values, go to Insert > Chart, and ensure that the ‘Chart type’ is set to ‘Histogram chart’ in the ‘Chart editor’.
1. Set Up Data
When using Google Sheets to create a histogram, you only need a column of values for your variable, and they don’t need to be in any specific order.
2. Insert Chart
To create a chart, choose the cells with the values and navigate to the Insert tab, then click on Chart.
3. Select Chart Type
In the ‘Chart editor’ sidebar, ensure that ‘Histogram chart’ is chosen as the selected option under ‘Chart type’.
After creating your histogram, you have the option to modify and personalize it. Instructions are provided below on how to customize fonts and colors, edit titles and labels, adjust buckets and include item dividers, as well as add a second set of data for a double histogram.
Change Chart Style
In the ‘Chart editor’, you can click on the ‘Customize’ tab and then on ‘Chart style’ to see more options.
The screenshot below demonstrates the ability to modify the font, background color, and border color.
Change Chart Titles
To modify any of the titles, click on ‘Chart & axis titles’ and then select the menu underneath it.
You have the ability to modify the text, font, font size, format, and text color for every title.
Change Bins
In the ‘Histogram’ section, you have the option to set the bin size and outlier percentiles, as well as include dividers within the bins.
Add a Series to Make a Double Histogram
If you already have a histogram with one set or series of values, it is possible to add another series in order to create a double histogram.
In the ‘Setup’ tab, adjust the data range to include the second column containing the values.
To add the second set of values, click on ‘Add series’ and choose the appropriate set.
You have successfully obtained the double histogram.
To create a double histogram in Google Sheets, follow these steps. Start by selecting both sets of values. Then, go to Insert and choose Chart. If the chart type is not automatically set to histogram, you can change it in the editor under ‘Chart type’. Finally, make some minor adjustments to the series.
- To create a chart, choose both sets of values and then click on Insert followed by Chart.
- In the ‘Chart editor’, ensure that ‘Histogram chart’ is chosen under ‘Chart type’. Delete the initial set of values from the X-axis, as indicated.
- Please add the first set of values as a series, as shown in the screenshot below.
- Please remove the Y-axis title, as indicated below.
- You now have a double histogram, allowing you to compare the values of both sets.
Histograms are used to visually represent the distribution of values for a numerical variable. The values are divided into equal intervals called bins or buckets, and each value is assigned to its corresponding bucket. The buckets are arranged along the horizontal axis based on the range of values, and the height of each bucket represents the frequency of values in that interval.
You have learned about histograms and their differences from column or bar charts. You have also learned about the ease of creating a histogram chart in Google Sheets, without the need to set up or fill the buckets. Additionally, you now know how to customize your histogram by changing its style, editing the titles and labels, and adding another series to create a double histogram.
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