1467 LearnersLast updated on June 12th, 2025
Histogram
A histogram is a statistical representation of numbers to show how often something occurs in different groups. The objective here is to make patterns easy to spot. Data is grouped into bins (intervals) to display the frequency. This article talks about histograms in detail.
What is a Histogram in Math?
A histogram represents frequency distribution using graphs. Here, the data is grouped into specific ranges to make it easier to represent. Think of it like a bar graph, with the x-axis representing numerical ranges and the y-axis denoting frequency. It is used for data collection and analysis.
Here are a few scenarios where we use histograms for data analysis.
- Analyzing the data distribution means checking whether the data is distributed correctly or not.
- A histogram helps track changes that occurs in a process over time, thereby showing us whether the
- process remains the same or keeps changing.
- A histogram is used to compare two or more process
- A histogram is used to analyze the customer requirements of a process
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Types of Histogram
In this section, let’s learn about types of histograms. Based on the type of frequency, histograms can be classified into:
- Normal Distribution
- Skewed Distribution
- Double-Peaked Distribution
- Plateau Distribution
- Edge Peak Distribution
- Comb Distribution
- Truncated Distribution
- Dog Food Distribution
Normal Distribution
A normal distribution is the common pattern seen in histograms. The normal distribution is also known as a bell-shaped histogram because of its curve, which has a single peak at a specific time interval.
Skewed Distribution
The skewed distribution is skewed in one direction, either to the right or left. The skew to the right is a right-skewed distribution, and the one to the left is a left-skewed distribution.
Double-Peaked Distribution
Double-peaked distribution is also known as bimodal, as the name suggests, it has two peaks. It is the outcome of two processes with different distributions in one set of data.
Plateau Distribution
Plateau distribution is the combination of many processes in one data set.
Edge Peak Distribution
Edge peak distribution looks similar to the normal distribution but has one large peak in the tail.
Comb Distribution
Comb distribution has alternative large and small bins; it can be because either the data is rounded off or else incorrectly constructed.
Truncated Distribution
Truncated distribution is also known as heart-cut distribution. It is also similar to a normal distribution with no tail.
Dog Food Distribution
In dog food distribution, the data is not evenly distributed; here, most people will be the majority, others the minority, and few left with dog food.
How to Make a Histogram
In this section, let’s learn how to make a histogram. Follow these steps to draw a histogram.
Step 1: Collect the data and categorize it into groups based on the interval. The interval should be of the same length.
Step 2: Make a table and arrange the data by listing each interval with the number of values that fall within it.
Step 3: The y-axis must represent the frequency, while the x-axis will represent the intervals. So, label the title on both axes. Label the intervals and frequencies on the respective axis.
Step 4: Draw the bars based on the table created, that is, each bar should indicate the correct frequency.
Histogram Vs. Bar Graph
We know that there are many similarities between histograms and bar graphs. So, in this section, let’s learn the difference between a histogram and a bar graph.
|
Histogram |
Bar Graph |
|
The graphical representation of data, where the data is categorized into continuous frequency |
The graphical representation of data, where the data is categorical variables or a comparison of data |
|
There is no space between two bars, that is, each of the bars is attached to the other |
There is an equal interval between two bars |
|
In the histogram, the x-axis should only represent continuous data, and the y-axis should represent the frequency |
Here, the type of bar graph decides if the axis represents frequency or category |
|
History can only be vertical |
Bar graphs can be both vertical and horizontal |
Applications of Histogram
Histograms are used in different fields to compare data, spot trends, identify patterns, and so on. So, let’s learn a few applications of histograms.
- In business, histograms are used to compare data, analyze sales, product quality, and so on.
- To identify the outcome of a most common process, we use a histogram as it can quickly be understood by looking at a histogram.
- A histogram is used to analyze the disease incidence, treatment outcome, patient's history, etc.
Tips and Tricks to Master Histogram
Tips and tricks are always interesting, and they can help students to master any skill. So, let’s see a few tips and tricks to master histogram.
- Understand the concept of what a histogram is and the types of it based on the shapes.
- Label the axis carefully, in a histogram, the x-axis represents continuous data, and the y-axis represents the frequency.
- Remember that there are no gaps between the bars in the histogram.
Common Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them in Histogram
Mistakes are common when working with histograms, in this section, we will learn more about common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
Mistake 1
Incorrect labeling of axis
Students used to forget to label the axis, which can lead to confusion. It is important to label both that axis with title and units and verify whether it is correct or not.
Mistake 2
Adding space between bars
Students might mistakenly think that histograms are like bar graphs and leave a space between each bar. To avoid that, students should remember that there is no space between the bars in the histogram. So make sure that each bar is touching the other without leaving any artificial gaps in between.
Mistake 3
Confusing with histogram and bar chart
As both the bar graph and histogram look similar, students tend to be confused between the both. To avoid this error, they should understand the concept of what is a histogram and bar graph. A histogram is for continuous data, and a bar graph is for comparing different categories.
Mistake 4
Errors while grouping the data
When creating the table, students used to incorrectly group the data with different intervals, which is wrong. So, to avoid this, students should group the data with fixed intervals.
Mistake 5
Misidentifying the histogram shapes
Students tend to confuse the shapes when working with histograms. To avoid this, students should understand the key features of the distribution and try to understand the different distributions.
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Solved Examples of Histogram
Problem 1
A class of 50 students took a math test, and their scores are recorded as follows:
Explanation
The histogram is of the score range in the x-axis and the number of students in the y-axis
Problem 2
A store recorded the daily sales (in $100s) for 30 days as follows:
Explanation
The histogram is plotted with the sales range on the x-axis and the number of days on the y-axis
Problem 3
he heights of 40 students (in cm) are given in the following table:
Explanation
Here, the histogram is plotted with height in cm on the x-axis and the number of students on the y-axis.
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FAQs on Histogram
1.What is a histogram in one line?
2.What are the four parts of the histogram?
3.How to calculate frequency for a histogram?
4.How do we calculate the mean for the histogram?
5.What is the range of the histogram?
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Jaipreet Kour Wazir
About the Author
Jaipreet Kour Wazir is a data wizard with over 5 years of expertise in simplifying complex data concepts. From crunching numbers to crafting insightful visualizations, she turns raw data into compelling stories. Her journey from analytics to education ref
Fun Fact
: She compares datasets to puzzle games—the more you play with them, the clearer the picture becomes!
