Difference Between A Histogram And A Bar Chart
When it comes to data visualization, there are many types of charts and graphs to choose from. Two of the most commonly used charts are histograms and bar charts. While they may look similar in some ways, there are also some key differences between them. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between a histogram and a bar chart.
What is a Histogram?
A histogram is a type of chart that is used to display the distribution of a set of continuous data. It consists of a series of vertical bars that represent the frequency distribution of the data. The bars are placed next to each other and the height of each bar represents the frequency of data in a particular range.
For example, if you were creating a histogram of the ages of people in a particular group, you might group the ages into ranges (such as 0-10, 11-20, 21-30, etc.) and then create a bar for each range. The height of each bar would represent the number of people in that age range.
What is a Bar Chart?
A bar chart is a type of chart that is used to display categorical data. It consists of a series of horizontal or vertical bars that represent the values of different categories. The bars are placed next to each other and the height or length of each bar represents the value of each category.
For example, if you were creating a bar chart to compare the sales of different products, you would create a bar for each product and the height of each bar would represent the sales of that product.
Key Differences Between Histograms and Bar Charts
While histograms and bar charts may look similar, there are some key differences between them:
- Data Type: Histograms are used for continuous data, while bar charts are used for categorical data.
- Axis: Histograms have a continuous axis (such as age, weight, etc.) while bar charts have a categorical axis (such as products, regions, etc.)
- Bar Orientation: Histogram bars are usually vertical, while bar chart bars can be either horizontal or vertical.
- Spacing: Histogram bars are usually touching, while bar chart bars are usually spaced apart.
When to Use Histograms vs. Bar Charts
So, when should you use a histogram and when should you use a bar chart?
Use a histogram when you want to show the distribution of continuous data, such as age, weight, height, etc. A histogram is useful for showing the shape of the data (such as whether it is skewed or symmetrical) and identifying any outliers.
Use a bar chart when you want to compare the values of different categories, such as sales of products, number of students in different grades, etc. A bar chart is useful for showing the relative values of different categories and identifying any trends or patterns.
Conclusion
While histograms and bar charts may look similar, they are actually quite different. Histograms are used for continuous data, while bar charts are used for categorical data. Histograms have a continuous axis, while bar charts have a categorical axis. Histogram bars are usually vertical, while bar chart bars can be either horizontal or vertical. And, histogram bars are usually touching, while bar chart bars are usually spaced apart. Understanding the differences between these two types of charts will help you choose the best one for your data visualization needs.