Difference Between Histogram and Bar Graph
Difference Between Histogram and Bar Graph
Histogram
A histogram is a graphical representation of a continuous data distribution. It is used to display the
frequency or count of data points within specific intervals or bins. The x-axis represents the range of
values or intervals, and the y-axis represents the frequency or count of data points falling within each
interval. The height of each bar in the histogram corresponds to the frequency or count of data points in
that interval.
For example, let’s say you have a dataset of exam scores for a class of students. You want to understand
the distribution of scores. A histogram would show you how many students scored within certain
ranges. The x-axis might represent the score intervals, such as 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, and so on, while the y-
axis represents the frequency or count of students in each interval. The height of each bar in the histogram would indicate how many students fell into each score range.
Bar Graph
A bar graph, also known as a bar chart, is used to compare different categories or groups. It displays categorical data, where each category is represented by a bar. The length or height of each bar in the graph represents a specific value or quantity associated with that category.
For instance, let’s consider a survey where people were asked to vote for their favorite fruit among apples, oranges, and bananas. A bar graph would be suitable for representing the results. Each fruit category would be shown on the x-axis, and the y-axis would represent the corresponding quantity associated with each category, such as the number of votes or percentages. The length or height of each bar in the graph would reflect the quantity or value for that specific category.
Differences between Histogram and Bar graph
Data Type
Histograms are used to represent continuous data, while bar graphs are used for categorical or discrete data. Histograms display the distribution of values within specific intervals or bins, whereas bar graphs compare different categories or groups.
x-axis Values
In a histogram, the x-axis represents the range of values or intervals of the continuous data. Each interval is typically represented by a bar. In a bar graph, the x-axis represents distinct categories or groups, such as different fruits or time periods.
y-axis Values
The y-axis in a histogram represents the frequency or count of data points falling within each interval or bin. The height of each bar corresponds to the frequency or count. In a bar graph, the y- axis represents a specific value or quantity associated with each category. The length or height of each bar corresponds to that value.
Visual Interpretation
Histograms are used to visualize the shape, central tendency, and spread of a continuous data distribution. They show how the data is distributed across the entire range. Bar graphs, on the other hand, are used to compare values or quantities between different categories or groups. They emphasize differences or similarities among the categories.
Axes Scale
In a histogram, the x-axis is typically continuous, and the intervals are represented without
any gaps or spaces. The y-axis represents the frequency or count. In a bar graph, both the x-axis and y- axis are typically discrete, and the bars are separated by spaces to highlight the distinction between categories.
Statistical Analysis
Histograms are often used in statistical analysis to examine the distribution of data and make inferences about the population. They can provide insights into skewness, outliers, and other properties of the data. Bar graphs, on the other hand, are primarily used for visual comparisons and to
display categorical data in a straightforward manner.
