What is a histogram? It looks very similar to other bar charts, but it groups numbers into ranges based on your determinations. Compared to other chart types, histograms make it easier to identify different data, categories, and frequencies of occurrence.
You can create a column chart in Excel using the column chart tool. Simply enter the data to be analyzed and the “bin numbers” to be used, which represent the frequency intervals to be used.
Histograms are supported by Excel 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 and Excel for Mac, but the steps to follow depend on the version of Excel you are using.
The Analysis ToolPak add-on is required to use the Histogram tool. This add-in is not supported in Excel Online (Microsoft 365). However, you can use Excel Online to view a column chart created in a desktop version of Excel.
Excel 2016 has a particularly easy-to-use column chart generator as it is one of the built-in charts available.
- First, enter the data you want to use in your histogram in a worksheet. For example, put the names of students in a class in one column and their test scores in another.
- Select the record.
- Step aside insertion and select Recommended graphics in the “Charts” group.
- Step aside All charts and select histogram.
In Excel 2016, column charts are a built-in chart option. - Choose histogram then select OK.
- Right-click on the vertical axis (the numbers below the chart) and select Format ax to open the Format Axis pane and adjust the histogram.
- Choose categories if you want to display text categories.
- Choose container width to adjust the size of each tray. For example, if the lowest score in your data set is 50 and you enter 10 in the Bin Width field, the bins will appear as 50-60, 60-70, 70-80, and so on.
- Choose number of containers to set a specific number of containers to display.
- Choose overflow bowl or waste bin to group above or below a specific number.
- Close the Format Axis pane when you are finished adjusting the histogram.
Excel 2013 or earlier requires the Analysis ToolPak add-in to use the Histogram tool. Make sure it is installed before creating column chart in Excel.
- Step aside dossier then select options.
- Choose add-ins in the navigation area.
- Choose Excel add-ins in which Manage and select Go to.
- Choose ToolPak d’analysisthen select OK.
- The Analysis ToolPak must be installed.
After you add the Analysis ToolPak, you can access it in the Analyze within the group Data Tab.
- Enter the data you want to use in your histogram in a worksheet. For example, put the names of students in a class in one column and their test scores in another.
- In a third column, write the container numbers you want to use. For example, if you want to display test results by letter, you can type 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 in the fields in the third column.
- Step aside Data Tab. On the tab Analyze group, select data analysis.
- Choose histogram in the Data Analysis dialog box, and then select OK. The Histogram dialog box opens.
- Choose input area (that would be the test results in this example) and the Assortment of containers (these are the cells that contain the bin numbers).
- Select the exit area if you want the histogram to be displayed on the same worksheet. Otherwise choose New worksheet or New workbook.
- Choose graphic production then select OK. Excel inserts a static column chart into the selected sheet.
Create a column chart in Excel 2016 for Mac
You can easily create a column chart in Excel 2016 for Mac after installing the Analysis ToolPak.
The add-in is not available in Excel 2011 for Mac.
- Step aside Tool and click Excel add-ins.
- Choose ToolPak d’analysis in which Supplements available and click OK.
- Click on Oui to install the plug-in when prompted.
- Exit Excel and restart the program. The website data analysis appears on the screen Data Tab.
After installing the plugin, you can create a bar chart:
- Enter the data you want to use in your histogram in a worksheet. For example, put the names of students in a class in one column and their test scores in another.
- In a third column, write the container numbers you want to use. For example, if you want to display test results by letter, you can type 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 in the fields in the third column.
- Step aside Data and click data analysis.
- Choose histogram and click OK.
- Choose input area (that would be the test results in this example) and the Assortment of containers (these are the cells that contain the bin numbers).
- Select the exit area if you want the histogram to be displayed on the same worksheet. Otherwise choose New worksheet or New workbook.
- Click the button graphic production Check the box and then click OK. Excel inserts a static column chart into the selected sheet.