Histogram and a Bar Graph: A histogram is a graphical representation of data that shows how many times each value occurs. A bar graph is a graphical representation of data that shows how many times each value occurs. The two are similar, but there are some important differences. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between bar graphs and histogram charts.
Defining a Histogram
A histogram is a graphical representation of the distribution of data. It is an estimate of the probability density function (PDF) for a continuous random variable X. The histogram consists of a sequence of rectangles, one for each value of x, with its width proportional to the corresponding frequency and its height equal to the corresponding relative frequency or probability.
Defining a Bar Graph
A bar graph is a graph of data using bars. Each bar represents a particular category or unit of measurement and the length of the bar is proportional to the value that it represents.
Similarities Between Histograms and Bar Graphs
A histogram and a bar graph are both types of graphs used to display data. They are both used to show how much of a certain variable is in a set of data. Histograms are used to show the distribution of data, while bar graphs are used to compare data.
Both histograms and bar graphs are made up of bars. The height of the bar represents the amount of data for that variable. The bars in a histogram are usually spaced out equally, while the bars in a bar graph are usually next to each other Histogram and a Bar Graph.
Differences Between Histograms and Bar Graphs
The most common difference between histograms and bar graphs is the way that they are plotted. Histograms are plotted using X and Y coordinates, while bar graphs are plotted using only X coordinates. The other main difference between histograms and bar graphs is the type of data that they are used to display. Histograms are used to display continuous data, while bar graphs are used to display discrete data.
When to Use a Histogram vs. a Bar Chart
Histograms are typically used when you have a lot of data and you want to see the distribution of the data. For example, if you were a doctor and you were measuring the blood pressure of 100 people, you would use a histogram to see how the blood pressure is distributed. Bar charts are typically used when you want to compare two or more sets of data. For example, if you wanted to compare the blood pressures of men and women, you would use a bar chart.
How to Create a Histogram and a Bar Chart
The first step in creating a histogram is to prepare your data. The data to be used in the histogram must be in a column. While the data can be in a range, the range must be in a column. After selecting the data and the type of histogram, Excel will create the histogram when you choose the right function. To create a bar chart, you’ll need to create a table with the data you want to chart. The table should have two columns. The first column should list the data sets you want to compare, and the second column should list the corresponding values. Next, you’ll need to highlight the data and choose the appropriate function to create a bar graph.
Overall, histograms and bar graphs are both important tools for visualizing data. In my experience, histograms are typically better for assessing the distribution of data, while bar graphs are better for comparing data sets. Whichever you choose will depend on context as well as your needs.
Steven Barron is an expert in many fields like tech, education, travel, finance, games, cars, and sports. He started his career in the tech industry, where he learned a lot and got good at spotting tech trends. Steven then moved into writing. He loves technology and is great at telling stories. His articles cover topics like new gadgets, education, and finance. They are full of detail but easy to read. Steven loves to travel and is a big sports fan. This shows in his travel and sports writing, where he draws in readers with clear descriptions and smart insights.
