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How to Make a Histogram in Google Sheets: A Step-by-Step Guide

December 6, 2023 1.3K views

Understanding histograms in Google Sheets is crucial for visualizing data patterns. In this guide, we'll explore the significance of histograms and provide a user-friendly tutorial. Analyzing problems from the user's viewpoint, we aim to make this learning experience insightful and enjoyable.

What Is a Histogram and Why Is It Important?

Histogram in Google Sheets

Histogram in Google Sheets

A histogram is a data visualization tool that uses bars to represent the distribution of data. The bars are grouped by equal intervals, or bins, and the height of each bar represents the number of data points that fall within that bin. Histograms are useful for understanding the shape of a distribution, identifying outliers, and comparing different data sets.

What Are Histograms Used For in Data Analysis?

Histograms are used for a variety of purposes in data analysis. Some of the most common uses include:

  • Understanding the shape of a distribution: The shape of a distribution can provide clues about the underlying process that generated the data. For example, a normal distribution is symmetrical and bell-shaped, while a skewed distribution has a longer tail on one side.

  • Identifying outliers: Outliers are data points that are far from the rest of the data. Histograms can be used to identify outliers by looking for data points that fall outside of the main body of the distribution.

  • Comparing different data sets: Histograms can be used to compare the distributions of two or more data sets. This can be helpful for identifying differences between groups or for assessing the impact of a treatment or intervention.

How to Make a Histogram in Google Sheets(Step-by-Step)

Creating a histogram in Google Sheets is a straightforward process that can provide valuable insights into your data distribution. Follow this step-by-step guide to efficiently generate a histogram, enhanced with bolded keywords for clarity and accompanied by screenshots to facilitate a seamless experience.

Step 1: Open Google Sheets:

Launch Google Sheets and open the spreadsheet containing your data.

 Open Google Sheets

Open Google Sheets

Step 2: Select Data Range:

Highlight the data range you want to visualize with the histogram.

Step 3: Access Chart Editor:

Navigate to the "Insert" menu, click on "Chart," and select the "Chart editor" option.

Access Chart Editor

Access Chart Editor

Step 4: Choose Chart Type:

In the Chart editor, select "Chart type" as "Histogram."

Choose Chart Type

Choose Chart Type

Step 5: Customize Histogram:

Adjust settings such as bin range, axis labels, and title according to your preferences.

 Customize Histogram

Customize Histogram

Step 6: Insert the Chart:

Click "Insert" to add the histogram chart to your Google Sheets.

Step 7: Modify Chart Appearance:

Further customize the chart appearance by right-clicking on elements like bars and axis labels.

Modify Chart Appearance

Modify Chart Appearance

Step 8: Finalize and Analyze:

Review the generated histogram, analyzing the distribution pattern within your data.

By following these steps, you can effortlessly create a histogram in Google Sheets, providing a visual representation of your data distribution

How to Customize a Histogram Chart in Google Sheets

Customizing your histogram chart in Google Sheets adds a layer of precision to your data presentation. Follow this detailed guide with step-by-step instructions and bolded keywords, complemented by screenshots for enhanced clarity.

Change Chart Style:

Change Chart Style

Change Chart Style

You can change the chart style of your histogram by following these steps:

  • Begin by right-clicking on the chart, selecting "Chart style."

  • Boldly choose a style that aligns with your preferences and data visibility.

Edit Chart and Axis Titles:

 edit the chart and axis titles

edit the chart and axis titles

To edit the chart and axis titles of your histogram, follow these steps:

  • For chart title modifications, click on the title and use the "Bold" function (Ctrl+B) for emphasis.

  • Similarly, edit axis titles by clicking on them and applying necessary changes.

Change Legend:

 change the legend

change the legend

To change the legend of your histogram, follow these steps:

  • Locate the legend on the chart, right-click, and choose "Legend," then "Position."

  • Boldly adjust the legend position as needed for optimal chart display.

Format Horizontal & Vertical Axis:

 format the horizontal and vertical axes

format the horizontal and vertical axes

To format the horizontal and vertical axes of your histogram, follow these steps:

  • Click on the horizontal or vertical axis, then use the "Bold" function (Ctrl+B) to emphasize.

  • Adjust formatting options to enhance axis visibility and readability.

Add or Edit Gridlines:

add or edit gridlines

add or edit gridlines

To add or edit gridlines to your histogram, follow these steps:

  • Right-click on the chart and choose "Gridlines."

  • Boldly add or modify gridlines to improve chart readability.

Adjust the Number of Bins:

 adjust the number of bins

adjust the number of bins

To adjust the number of bins in your histogram, follow these steps:

  • For optimal data representation, click on the histogram bars, then "Chart editor" and adjust the "Histogiram."

  • Boldly set the number of bins to effectively capture data patterns.

Best Free Alternative to Google Sheets - WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Office logo

WPS Office logo

WPS Office is a free and open-source office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office and Google Docs. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. WPS Office includes three main components: WPS Writer, WPS Spreadsheet, and WPS Presentation.

Key Features of WPS Office

  • Free download and free to use: WPS Office is completely free to download and use. There are no hidden charges or subscription fees.

  • File Compatibility: WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and Google Sheets. This means that you can open, edit, and save WPS Office files in Microsoft Office and Google Docs.

  • Free PDF editing tools: WPS Office includes a built-in PDF editor that allows you to edit, annotate, and convert PDF files.

  • Delicate Office templates are free to download in the built-in WPS Template Library: WPS Office comes with a large library of free templates for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

  • Support Online Document: WPS Docs Best free alternative to Google Docs;

WPS AI

 WPS AI icon

WPS AI icon

WPS AI is a new feature that enhances WPS Office by providing advanced features like document analysis, efficient formatting, and intelligent content recommendations. WPS AI is still under development, but it has the potential to make WPS Office even more powerful and user-friendly.

How to Create a Histogram in WPS Spreadsheet

Creating a histogram in WPS Spreadsheet is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open the WPS Spreadsheet application.

WPS Spreadsheet application.

WPS Spreadsheet application.

Step 2: Prepare your data: Ensure your data is organized in a single column or adjacent columns.

Step 3: Highlight the data range: Select the range of data cells you want to include in the histogram.

Step 4: Insert the histogram: Click on the Insert tab and select Chart.

Insert the histogram

Insert the histogram

Step 5: Choose the histogram chart type: In the Insert Chart dialog box, select the Histogram chart type.

 Choose the histogram

Choose the histogram

Step 6: Customize the histogram: Click on the Chart Tools tab and use the various options to customize the appearance of your histogram.

Step 7: Finalize the chart: Once you're satisfied with the appearance of your histogram, click Close.

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FAQs

What is a frequency histogram?

A frequency histogram is a bar graph that shows how often different values occur in a dataset. It helps visualize the distribution and patterns of data.

How to turn a frequency table into a histogram in Word?

To turn a frequency table into a histogram in Word, create a bar chart using your table data. Open Word, insert a bar chart, input your data, customize the design, and then insert the chart into your document.

How does WPS Office ensure document security and user privacy?

WPS Office ensures document security by using encryption, maintaining stability, and following strict privacy policies. Your data is protected, and features like password protection enhance document security.

Summary

This guide teaches you how to make histograms in Google Sheets step by step, emphasizing their importance in data analysis. It also introduces WPS Office as a free and compatible alternative, highlighting its features like free PDF editing and integration with WPS AI.

Whether using Google Sheets or WPS Spreadsheet, this summary underlines the guide's focus on making data visualization accessible and the advantages of WPS Office in the process.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.