Bar Chart vs. Histogram — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 12, 2023
Bar Chart represents categorical data; Histogram shows frequency distribution of continuous data.
Difference Between Bar Chart and Histogram
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In a Bar Chart, the data is represented in the form of rectangular bars, where the length of each bar corresponds to the value or frequency of the data point. Bar Charts are typically used to display and compare the frequency, count, or other measures (like mean, median) for different categories. The categories in a Bar Chart can be anything: days of the week, months, different products, etc.
A Histogram, on the other hand, is a graphical representation of the distribution of a dataset. It is an estimate of the probability distribution of a continuous variable. In Histograms, the data is divided into a set of bins, and the number of data points that fall into each bin is represented by the height of the bar. The data in a Histogram is continuous, not categorical.
One of the noticeable differences between Bar Chart and Histogram is the spacing between bars. In a Bar Chart, the bars are usually separated, indicating the different categories. In a Histogram, adjacent bars touch each other, indicating the range of continuous data.
In terms of data representation, Bar Charts provide a visual representation of discrete data, making it easy to compare different categories. Histograms, meanwhile, enable viewers to understand the distribution of continuous data, providing insights into the data's shape, central tendency, and spread.
Comparison Chart
Data Type
Categorical (discrete) data
Continuous data
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Bars Spacing
Bars are usually separated
Adjacent bars touch each other
Usage
Compare different categories
Understand distribution of data
Axis Labels
Represents distinct categories
Represents continuous intervals or bins
Origin of Bars
Bars can start from non-zero values
Bars usually start from a baseline of zero
Compare with Definitions
Bar Chart
Bar Charts are utilized to compare different categories of data.
The Bar Chart was used to compare the quarterly profits of different divisions.
Histogram
In a Histogram, the area of each bar represents the frequency of data points in its range.
The wider bars in the Histogram indicated more people in those age groups.
Bar Chart
In a Bar Chart, the length or height of the bar indicates its value or frequency.
The Bar Chart indicated that blue was the most preferred color among participants.
Histogram
A Histogram is a graphical representation showing the distribution of a set of continuous data.
The Histogram revealed most students scored between 70 and 80 on the test.
Bar Chart
Bar Charts display data in rectangular bars, either vertically or horizontally.
In the Bar Chart, monthly sales were represented using vertical bars.
Histogram
Histograms are useful for visualizing the shape and spread of continuous data.
The Histogram showed a bell-shaped curve, indicating a normal distribution.
Bar Chart
Bar Charts can represent data in absolute numbers or in percentages.
The Bar Chart represented market share of companies in percentages.
Histogram
Histograms use bins to group ranges of data points and display their frequencies.
In the Histogram, age groups were divided into bins of ten years each.
Bar Chart
A Bar Chart is a graphical representation of data using bars of different heights.
The Bar Chart clearly showed which product sold the most last month.
Histogram
Histograms allow for the identification of central tendencies and data anomalies.
The Histogram displayed an unexpected spike, suggesting a potential data error.
Histogram
A bar graph of a frequency distribution in which one axis lists each unique value (or range of continuous values) in a set of data, and the area of each bar represents the frequency (or relative frequency) of that value (or range of continuous values).
Histogram
(statistics) A graphical display of numerical data in the form of upright bars, with the area of each bar representing frequency.
Histogram
(transitive) To represent (data) as a histogram.
Histogram
A bar chart representing a frequency distribution; heights of the bars represent observed frequencies
Common Curiosities
What data is suitable for a Bar Chart?
Bar Charts are suitable for categorical or discrete data.
What is a Bar Chart?
A Bar Chart is a graphical representation of data using bars of different heights to display and compare values or frequencies of different categories.
Are the bars in a Histogram always touching?
Yes, in a Histogram, adjacent bars touch each other to represent continuous data ranges.
Is there any spacing between bars in a Bar Chart?
Yes, in a Bar Chart, bars are usually separated to indicate different categories.
Can Bar Charts be horizontal?
Yes, Bar Charts can be both vertical and horizontal.
Can Histograms have uneven bin widths?
Yes, Histograms can have uneven bin widths, but it's essential to interpret the data accurately in such cases.
What are the bins in a Histogram?
Bins in a Histogram are intervals that group a range of data points to display their frequency.
How does a Histogram differ from a Bar Chart?
A Histogram represents the frequency distribution of continuous data, whereas a Bar Chart represents categorical data.
Can a Bar Chart represent percentages?
Yes, Bar Charts can represent data in absolute numbers or percentages.
Why are the bars in a Histogram touching?
In a Histogram, bars touch each other to indicate the continuity of the data.
When should one use a Histogram?
Histograms are used when one needs to understand the distribution of continuous data.
Do Histograms show individual data points?
No, Histograms group data into bins and show the frequency of data points in each bin.
Can Bar Charts compare multiple datasets?
Yes, Bar Charts can compare multiple datasets by using grouped or stacked bars.
Are all Bar Charts vertical?
No, Bar Charts can be both vertical (column charts) and horizontal.
What's the primary purpose of a Histogram?
The primary purpose of a Histogram is to visualize the distribution and spread of continuous data.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
