Difference Between Histogram And Bar Chart In Statistics
When it comes to representing data in statistics, there are several types of graphs and charts that are available. Two of the most commonly used ones are histograms and bar charts. Although these charts may seem similar, they have distinct differences. In this article, we will explore the differences between histograms and bar charts in statistics.
What is a Histogram?
A histogram is a type of graph that is used to display the distribution of a dataset. It consists of a series of bars that represent the frequency of data falling within certain intervals or bins. Histograms are commonly used in statistics to display continuous data, such as age, weight or height.
One of the main features of a histogram is that the bars are adjacent to each other, with no gaps between them. The height of each bar represents the frequency of data falling within that particular interval. The width of each bar represents the range of values included in that interval.
What is a Bar Chart?
A bar chart is a type of graph that is used to display categorical data. It consists of a series of bars that represent different categories, with the height of each bar indicating the frequency or value associated with that category. Bar charts are commonly used in statistics to compare different groups or categories.
One of the main features of a bar chart is that the bars are separated from each other, with gaps between them. The width of each bar is usually the same, and the height of each bar represents the value or frequency associated with that category.
Key Differences Between Histograms and Bar Charts
There are several key differences between histograms and bar charts that are worth noting. These include:
1. Type of Data
The main difference between histograms and bar charts is the type of data that they represent. Histograms are used to display continuous data, while bar charts are used to display categorical data.
2. Bars
The bars in a histogram are adjacent to each other, with no gaps between them. In contrast, the bars in a bar chart are separated from each other, with gaps between them.
3. Height and Width of Bars
The height of each bar in a histogram represents the frequency of data falling within that particular interval, while the width of each bar represents the range of values included in that interval. In contrast, the height of each bar in a bar chart represents the frequency or value associated with that category, while the width of each bar is usually the same.
4. X-Axis
The x-axis in a histogram represents the range of values included in each interval, while the x-axis in a bar chart represents the different categories being compared.
When to Use a Histogram and When to Use a Bar Chart?
Knowing when to use a histogram and when to use a bar chart is important in statistics. A histogram is useful when you want to display the distribution of a continuous dataset, such as age or weight. In contrast, a bar chart is useful when you want to compare different categories, such as the sales of different products or the number of students in different classes.
Conclusion
Overall, histograms and bar charts are two of the most commonly used types of graphs in statistics. While they may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct differences that make them suitable for different types of data. Understanding these differences is important in choosing the right graph to use for your data.