How to create histogram charts in Google Sheets (Step-by-step)

Making histograms in Google Sheets is a simple way to look at your data clearly. With charts in Google Sheets, you can easily show info like customer happiness or website visits. Similarly, creating a histogram helps you see the big trends and the little differences in your data quickly.

In this guide, we'll teach you how to make histogram charts right in Google Sheets. You'll learn to pick the data range, create a histogram, insert a chart, and find the best chart type for your information. By the end, making histograms will be a piece of cake, helping you understand and make better decisions from your data.

What is a histogram chart?

A histogram chart is a type of graph in Google Sheets that shows how often something happens within a set of data. 

It groups numbers into ranges, and the height of each bar shows how many fall into each range. This makes it easy to see patterns like the most common outcomes or if there are any outliers.

The use of histogram charts can help you analyze your data better, regardless of whether it is a line graph or scatterplot. So, if you are seeking more reasons to use histogram charts on your sheet, have a look at the following title: 

Why use a histogram chart?

Histogram charts in spreadsheets help you sort and understand your data sets quickly. Learning how to make a histogram in a spreadsheet allows you to visualize data distribution effectively through its distinct chart style, simplifying the analysis of vast information.

👉🏻You can easily compare data

👉🏻It helps identify trends and outliers

👉🏻Simplifies understanding complex data

👉🏻Offers effective visualization with a clear chart style

How to make a histogram chart in Google Sheets

Making a histogram chart in Google Sheets is straightforward and lets you analyze your data beautifully. This guide will show you how to make a chart in Google Sheets, focusing on setting up the vertical axis and horizontal axis. You'll see how easy it is to transform your data into meaningful visuals.

Step 1

Google Sheets dashboard

Start by logging into your Google account and opening the Google Sheets document containing your dataset.

Step 2

Choose the cells you want to insert a chart

Carefully highlight the cells with the data points you need for your histogram. This step is vital because it sets the number of data points your histogram will show, shaping how it will look and the insights you can draw from it.

Step 3

Click “Chart” to insert a chart

With your data highlighted, go to the top menu in Google Sheets and click on "Insert." A dropdown menu will appear, where you'll select "Chart." This action gets Google Sheets ready to help you create your chart, moving you closer to having your histogram.

Step 4

When the Chart Editor panel pops up on the right, it's time to pick the right chart type. To create histograms, we will choose “Line Chart”. This choice tells Google Sheets to organize your data in a way that highlights distribution and frequency, which is crucial for histogram analysis.

Choose a line type

Step 5

Arrange the date range

Select the data and range for your histogram. You can adjust this in the Chart Editor if necessary. You might need to adjust this to accurately capture and represent all the necessary information in your histogram.

Step 6

Customize the chart settings

The last step is to explore the Chart Editor's customization options. This is where you can truly personalize your histogram. Alter the bar color for a better visual effect, update the axis labels for clearer understanding, and place the legend where it makes the most sense. These customizations ensure your histogram is not only analytically accurate but also ready for any presentation.

By following these steps, you'll craft a meaningful histogram that clearly illustrates the distribution of your data, enhancing your analysis and decision-making process.

💡Learning how to make a dropdown menu in Google Sheets can streamline your data entry process, making it faster and more error-free.

Frequently asked questions about Google Sheets histograms

Exploring histograms in Google Sheets often leads to various questions, from creation to customization. Whether you're a beginner or seeking advanced tips, this section addresses the most common inquiries. 

If you have any questions or doubts about the topic, we invite you to explore the Frequently asked questions we've compiled for you. This part of our guide is specifically designed to address common inquiries, providing you with a deeper understanding and clarity on the subject.

Final words

Histograms in Google Sheets offer a dynamic way to analyze and understand your data. Whether you're in education, marketing, or data analysis, mastering histograms can transform raw data into actionable insights. This skill is invaluable for making informed decisions, identifying trends, and presenting data compellingly.

Through this guide, you've learned how to create, customize, and differentiate between histograms and other chart types in Google Sheets. We've covered everything from the basics to more advanced customization, ensuring you have a strong foundation. Your journey to becoming a data visualization expert is just beginning!