

To create the distribution table (along with a histogram chart if desired), navigate to the Data tab on the Ribbon. Here’s how.Īdd a Frequency Distribution Table and Chart in Excel For example, we could use functions such as FREQUENCY or COUNTIFS.īut, we don’t need to write formulas … we can point and click and have Excel create the distribution table for us. One way to count the number of occurrences within each bin is with a formula. The next will contain all scores greater than 69 and less than or equal to 79. The next bin will contain all scores GREATER THAN 59 and LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 69. Think of the bins as working like this: the first group will be all scores LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO the bin value 59.

Then, we can define the “bins” like this: Regardless of the method, you’ll want to begin by determining the groupings or ranges (aka, “bins”).įor example, let’s say we have the following test scores: With frequency distributions, these ranges are referred to as “bins.” How to Set Up Your Frequency Distribution in ExcelĪs with just about anything in Excel, there are numerous ways to create a frequency distribution table. For example, how many test scores fall between 90-100 (and typically assigned a letter A grade). In general, you’ll want to count the number of occurrences that fall within a given range. Frequency distributions can display much more complicated data, but the basic purpose is the same. The frequency of the number 1 is four because it shows up four times in the data set. They’re also not too difficult to put together in a spreadsheet – here’s how to do it! How Do Frequency Distributions Work?įrequency refers to the number of times something happens, and the frequency of an observation lets you know how often something shows up in a data set.įor example, look at the following numbers:

Are you a school administrator who wants to see how student test scores are distributed, or maybe an accountant who needs to analyze trends in spending or accounts receivable? If so, creating a frequency distribution in Excel is one of the easiest ways to do it!Įssentially, frequency distributions come in handy whenever you need to see the number of times something occurs.
