Md. Shamim Reza
This article illustrates how to create a histogram in excel with bins. A histogram depicts the frequency of data in different ranges within the data range. It is a graph made up of rectangular bars. The number and height of the bars are proportional to the number of different ranges called bins and to the frequency of data within those bins.
A histogram allows you quickly get an overview of a dataset. For example, if you have a histogram created from the test scores of the students in a class, you can assess the performance of the class at a glance. Because you will know how many students failed, how many of them got good grades etc the moment you look at the histogram. It can be very useful during your presentations.
Fortunately, there are several ways to create a histogram in excel. Follow the article as we are going to highlight all of the methods to do that.
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What Is a Histogram with Bins?
A histogram is a graphical representation of data divided into different groups to show the frequency of data points in each group. It looks like the column chart in excel. All data points are divided into several groups or ranges called Bins. These bins are plotted along the horizontal axis. On the other hand, the frequencies of data corresponding to each bin are plotted along the vertical axis. Assume you have the test scores of 40 students from a class. The score may vary from 0 to 100. Now you can divide this range into several groups like 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, and so on. This way you can quickly get an overview of the performance of the class based on the number of students appearing in those groups. A histogram just does that successfully.
4 Ways to Create a Histogram in Excel with Bins
Assume you have a dataset containing the test scores of 40 students in a class as shown below. Now you want to create a histogram with 10 bins using this dataset.
Dataset to create a histogram in excel. Some rows are hidden.
Follow any of the methods below to get your desired result.
1. Create a Histogram Using Statistic Chart in Excel 2016 and Later Versions
If you are using Excel 2016 or later versions, you can create a histogram in excel with bins by inserting a statistic chart. Follow the steps below to learn how to do that.
📌 Steps:
- First, select the scores (B5:B44) and then go to Insert >> Insert Statistic Chart >> Histogram.
- After that, the following histogram will be inserted.
- Now you need to modify the histogram to make it look as required. So first double-click on the chart title to rename it as required. Then click on the vertical axis and press delete if it is not required. You can also remove the chart gridlines using the chart element menu in the upper-right corner of the chart or from the chart design tab. Next right-click on the horizontal axis and select Format Axis.
- After that, mark the radio button for the Number of bins and enter 10 in the text box. Then check the Overflow bin and Underflow bin checkboxes and enter 90 and 10 in the text boxes respectively.
- Finally, the histogram will look as follows.
Read More: How to Change Bin Range in Excel Histogram (with Quick Steps)
2. Create a Histogram Chart Using FREQUENCY Function
You can also use the frequency function along with a column chart to create a histogram in excel. Follow the steps below to be able to do that.
📌 Steps:
- First, enter the following formula in cell D5. This will return the frequency of data according to the bins.
=FREQUENCY(B5:B44,C5:C13)
- Then click on an empty cell and select Insert >> Insert Column or Bar Chart >> 2-D Column Clustered Column. This will insert a blank chart.
- Next, right-click on the blank chart and click on Select Data.
- After that, select the frequency range and click on Edit below the Horizontal Axis Labels.
- Then select the Bins range and click OK.
- Next, you will see the Bins values in the Horizontal Axis Labels. Now click OK to update the column chart.
- After that, the chart will look as follows.
- Finally, you can add a chart title, remove the vertical axis, add data labels, and remove the chart gridlines to get a similar result as earlier.
Read More: How to Make a Stacked Histogram in Excel (3 Easy Methods)
3. Create a Histogram Using PivotChart in Excel
Alternatively, you can insert a PivotChart to modify it to a histogram by following the steps below.
📌 Steps:
- First, select the scores (B4:B44) and go to Insert >> PivotChart as shown below.
- Then enter the location for the PivotChart and click OK. This will insert a PivotChart along with PivotTable.
- Next, drag the Score field to the Axis and Values areas.
- After that, click on Sum of Score in the Values area and go to the Value Field Settings.
- Now change the type of calculation to Count and click OK.
- Then, right-click on any cell from the Row Labels in the Pivot Table and select Group.
- Next, uncheck the ‘Starting at’ and ‘Ending at’ checkboxes, enter 0 and 100 in the respective text boxes beside them, then enter 10 in the text box below them to group By 10 and, then click OK.
- Finally, the PivotTable and the PivotChart will look as follows.
Read More: How to Create a Bin Range in Excel (3 Easy Methods)
4. Create a Histogram with Data Analysis Tool in Excel 2013
Finally, we will discuss the smartest way i.e. using the Data Analysis tool to create a histogram in excel with bins. Follow the steps below to learn how to do that.
📌 Steps:
- First, select Data >> Data Analysis as shown below.
Enable Data Analysis ToolPak:
If you don’t find the Data Analysis tool in the Data tab, then you can enable it by following the steps below.
- First, press ALT + F + T or select File >> Options. Then go to the Add-ins tab and click on Go beside Manage: Excel Add-ins.
- Next, check the Analysis ToolPak checkbox and click OK. After that, you will be able to access the Data Analysis tool.
- Next, select Histogram and click OK.
- Now select the range B4:B44 as the Input Range, the range C4:C14 as the Bin Range, check the Labels checkbox, enter the Output Range, the Chart Output checkbox and, click OK.
- After that, you will see the histogram along with a Bin and Frequency table as follows. You can modify the histogram to make it more presentable as looked at earlier.
Read More: How to Make Histogram Using Analysis ToolPak (with Easy Steps)
How to Make a Histogram in Excel with Two Sets of Data
Assume you have the test scores of students from two different classes. Then you need to apply the FREQUENCY function to calculate the frequency for both classes.
- Now plot both of the frequency series against the bins to get the following result.
Read More: How to Make a Histogram in Excel with Two Sets of Data (4 Ways)
Things to Remember
- Insert Statistic Chart option is available in Excel 2016 and later versions.
- You must enable the Data Analysis ToolPak add-in to access the Data Analysis tool.
Conclusion
Now you know how to create a histogram in excel with bins in 4 different ways. Which method do you prefer the most? Do you have any further queries or suggestions? Please let us know in the comment section below. You can also visit our ExcelDemy blog to explore more about excel. Stay with us and keep learning.
