The Difference Between A Bar Chart And A Histogram
If you are someone who deals with data, you must have heard of bar charts and histograms. These are two of the most commonly used data visualization tools that help in representing data in a graphical format. Although they may look similar, there are some fundamental differences between the two that set them apart. In this article, we will discuss the difference between a bar chart and a histogram.
What Is A Bar Chart?
A bar chart, also known as a bar graph, is a chart that represents data using bars. It is a two-dimensional chart that has one axis representing the categories being compared, and the other axis representing the value of the data. The bars can be either horizontal or vertical, depending on the data being represented. The length or height of the bar is proportional to the value of the data being represented. The bars in a bar chart are also evenly spaced and have a uniform width.
What Is A Histogram?
A histogram is a chart that represents data using bars, but it is different from a bar chart in a few ways. A histogram is a one-dimensional chart that has only one axis, which represents the range of the data. The bars in a histogram are also evenly spaced, but the width of the bar represents the range of the data being represented. The height of the bar represents the frequency or count of the data that falls within that range.
Key Differences Between A Bar Chart And A Histogram
Now that we know what a bar chart and a histogram are, let's take a look at some of the key differences between the two:
- A bar chart is a two-dimensional chart, while a histogram is a one-dimensional chart.
- A bar chart has two axes, while a histogram has only one axis.
- The bars in a bar chart can be either horizontal or vertical, while the bars in a histogram are always vertical.
- The bars in a bar chart have a uniform width, while the bars in a histogram have varying widths.
- The length or height of the bars in a bar chart represents the value of the data being represented, while the height of the bars in a histogram represents the frequency or count of the data that falls within that range.
When To Use A Bar Chart And When To Use A Histogram?
Both bar charts and histograms are useful tools for representing data, but there are certain situations where one is more appropriate than the other. Typically, a bar chart is used to represent discrete data, while a histogram is used to represent continuous data. For example, if you wanted to represent the sales of different products, you would use a bar chart. If you wanted to represent the age distribution of a population, you would use a histogram.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a bar chart and a histogram are two different data visualization tools that are used to represent data. A bar chart is a two-dimensional chart that uses bars to represent data, while a histogram is a one-dimensional chart that also uses bars to represent data. The key differences between the two lie in the number of axes, the orientation of the bars, and the way the bars represent the data. Knowing when to use a bar chart or a histogram can help you effectively communicate your data to your audience.