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Histogram

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Last updated date: 25th Apr 2024
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Introduction

The Histogram is a representation of the numerical data, not accurate but an estimate. Karl Pearson was the first one to introduce the idea of Histogram. To create the Histogram the first step is binning, which is also called data binning, or bucketing or discrete binning. In this step the data is pre-processed and used for reducing the effects of minor observation errors, it divides the whole range of values into a sequence of intervals, and then counts the number of values that falls into each of the intervals.


In a nutshell, Histogram helps in summarizing the continuous data. And hence, it is important for the students to learn about the same because it helps the students in understanding and interpreting the various types of data. But before everything, it is important to know about the Histogram in general.


Hence, Vedantu provides to the students of Mathematics the complete explanation of the Histogram, along with its definition, types, characteristics, parts and works, in a simple and lucid manner that all the students can easily understand.


Meaning of Histogram

A Histogram meaning can be stated as a graphical representation that condenses a data series into an easy interpretation of numerical data by grouping them into logical ranges of different heights which are also known as bins. Basically, it summarizes discrete or continuous data. We can also call it a frequence distribution graph as it is like a plot that lets you discover the underlying frequency distribution.


Histogram definition can be put forward as a tool that visualizes the distribution of data over a continuous interval or a certain time period. It helps us to get an estimate of where the values are concentrated, what are the extremes if there is any gap or unusual values. To some extent, a Histogram also gives us a brief view of a probability distribution. A Histogram is quite similar to a vertical bar graph but the difference that lies between them is that there is no gap between the bars in the Histogram, unlike a bar graph.


Histogram in Statistics

Histogram in statistics is a very important topic. Let’s understand it with an example. A container shows the number of information that focuses inside a reach (a stretch). Regularly, you pick the reach that best accommodates your information. A histogram chart is a bar chart representation of data. It is a representation of a series of results into columns along the x-axis. in the same histogram, the number of numbers or more occurrences in the data for each column is represented by the y-axis. It is the simplest method that can be used to visualize the distribution of data. Let's understand a histogram plot by plotting one for the example below.


Histogram Graph Example


Histogram Graph Example


Parts of a Histogram.

Given below are the main part of the Histogram.

  • The Title: The title is the first and the foremost thing it describes all the information which is given in the Histogram.

  • X-axis: The intervals under which the measurement falls is shown in the X-axis intervals.

  • Y-axis: The values that occurred within the intervals set by the X-axis, is shown in the Y-axis.

  • The Bars: The bars are used for showing the value of the data. And for knowing the total number of times the values occurred within the interval, the height of the bar is helpful, while the interval that is covered is shown by the width of the bar. And hence, it is obvious that the Histogram which has all the bins equal must have the width same as well, across all the bars.


How Histogram Works

In statistics Histograms, for the most part, are used widely because it shows how many of a specific type of variable occurs within a certain range. That is to say, it helps in showing the data or the numbers in graphical format and hence makes it much easier for us to understand and interpret the data.


Histograms can work and serve so many different purposes, such as from the census, Histogram can be used for showing the range of people between eh certain age, such as how many people are there in the country between the age of 10 and 20 etc. In many various operations, Histograms are useful.


Also, if you wish to know about the Bar Graph and Histogram, because more often than not both are confused with each other, you may find this link helpful: Bar Graphs and Histogram – Definition, Types, Uses and Key Difference (vedantu.com)


Characteristics of a Histogram

  • A Histogram is used to display continuous data in a categorical form.

  • In a Histogram, there are no gaps between the bars, unlike a bar graph.

  • The width of the bins is equal.

It is the Area, Not the Height of the Bars

In a Histogram, it is the area and not the height of the bar that indicates the frequency of occurrences for each bin. The height of the bar does not indicate how many occurrences of scores are there in each individual bin. It is always the product of the height and width of the bin that indicates the frequency of occurrences within that bin.


How to Create a Frequency Histogram Graph

To construct a Histogram graph from a continuous variable there are a few steps that we need to follow. They are given below;

  • Step 1) Firstly, we need to split the data into class intervals which are also known as bins and frequencies.

  • Step 2) In this step, we have to draw a Histogram graph with X-axis and Y-axis. Then write down the class intervals on the X-axis and the frequencies on the Y-axis.

  • Step 3) Draw vertical rectangles using the X-axis and the Y-axis.


Difference between Bar Graph And Histogram


Histogram

Bar Graph

Indicates

Distribution of non-discrete variables

Comparison of discrete variables

Represents

Quantitative data

Categorical data

Spaces

No spaces between the bars

Spaces are there between the bars

Elements

Elements are grouped together

Elements are taken individually

Reordering of bars

No

Yes

Width of the bar

Doesn’t need to be same

Has to be same


A Histogram can be represented in different ways. Some of them are given below with the Histogram example as well.


Types of Histograms

A Normal Distribution:

In a normal distribution, points on both sides of the average are alike.

A Bimodal Distribution:

In a bimodal distribution, the data are separately analyzed as a normal distribution. Therefore they are represented as two different peaks.

A Right-Skewed Distribution:

A right-skewed distribution, also known as positively skewed distribution, is where a large number of data values occur on the left side whereas a fewer number of data values occur on the right side. A right-skewed distribution occurs when the data on the left-hand side of the Histogram has a low range boundary, for example, 0.

A Left-Skewed Distribution:

A left-skewed distribution is also known as a negatively skewed distribution. In a left-skewed distribution, a large number of data values appear on the right side whereas a fewer number of data values occur on the left side. A right-skewed distribution occurs when the data has a low range boundary on the right-hand side of the histogram, for example, 100.

A Random Distribution:

There is no pattern in a random distribution histogram and thus has several peaks. The reason behind this could be that the data properties were combined.


The table above will not only teach you the different types of histograms but also how to draw a histogram.


Summary

A histogram is a graphical representation of data points organized into user-specified ranges. Similar in appearance to a bar graph, the histogram condenses a data series into an easily interpreted visual by taking many data points and grouping them into logical ranges or bins. It is frequently used to easily depict the main characteristics of the data distribution.

FAQs on Histogram

1. What are the applications of a histogram in real life?

A histogram can be used in numerous places and situations in real life. The most frequently used fields are

  1. In Stock Exchange: A histogram is used to identify the trade at different places or different groups of investors.

  2. In Medical and Clinical Research: A histogram in Medical and Clinical Research is useful to identify the presence or absence of a condition among different categories of people.

  3. In photography: In photography, a histogram is used for Image processing and digitization.

  4. In Six Sigma: A histogram is used to study the defect pattern across different categories of samples

Therefore, a histogram as a tool of simplicity and easy work has diverse uses.

2. Who discovered histogram and why was it named ‘histogram?’

Karl Pearson was the first person to discover histogram in 1891. The term ‘histogram’ was coined using two words: “historical diagram” which is obviously the function of a histogram, that is to display past data.

3. Is understanding a Histogram really necessary?

Histograms were first developed by Karl Pearson and since then, it has become very much important in the field of Statistics because it helps us in understanding the data easily. Sometimes when the students are first introduced to the topic of Histogram, chances are that they must find it difficult to understand, but upon focusing on it a little more, it becomes a little easy for the students, because in reality understanding the histogram is not that much difficult at all. One more thing is that the syllabus is designed in accordance with the capacity of the students, and the same goes for the Histogram.

4. Where can I find the explanation of the Histogram, which is easy to understand?

It is very necessary for the students to have a good and easy explanation for the topic of Histogram because it does not just make the process of learning easy but it also makes the process fun. And since Vedantu knows about this need of the students it provides such an easy explanation of the Histogram to all the students. And all of this is available free of cost so that the maximum number of students who want to learn about the histogram can have it.

5. Why should I refer to the Definition, Types and Characteristics of the Histogram provided by the Vedantu?

Vedantu believes in delivering the best quality content to the students for their education. And to provide the students with such a type of material, Vedantu has built a team of professionals, who work very hard to provide the students with the best of the material possible, and also the best experience possible. And the same goes for the topic of Histograms, Vedantu provides not only the definition of the subject, but everything related to the topic of the Histogram, and that too without charging a single rupee fee.