How to create a histogram in Excel 2013

A histogram is an excellent tool used in project management and many other disciplines to analyze a collection of data.

A histogram is a bar graph that shows how frequently data occur within specified ranges or intervals. The height of each bar gives the frequency in the respective interval.

Excel 2013 has Data Analysis tool which helps to create a frequency distribution from the given data and a histogram chart. Data Analysis tool is available in "Data" tab, but sometimes we need to manually add the tool.

Read more: How to load the Data Analysis tool in Excel 2013

Steps to create histogram using Data Analysis tool in Excel 2013:

1. The first step is to specify intervals (bins) within which we want to classify the data. Enter the bin numbers (only upper levels) in separate column.
2. Go to "Data" tab >>> Data Analysis >>> Select "Histogram" >>> Click OK
3. Once the Histogram dialog box opens, enter the below detail:
   • Input range: select the data for which histogram is required
   • Bin Range: select the specified intervals (bins)
4. Select appropriate output options and click OK

Remember: Check "Chart Output" to get the histogram chart along with frequency distribution.

Customize the formatting of histogram

a) Label your bins properly to show intervals

b) Remove the spacing between the bars

Right click a bar >>> Format Data Series >> Series Options >>> Gap Width >>> change to 0%

c) Add border to the bars with appropriate color

Right click a bar >>> Format Data Series >> Border color >>> Solid line >>> Color