Histogram vs Bar Graph: Must Know Differences

Daniel JohnsonByDaniel Johnson Hours Updated

What is Histogram?

Histogram is a type of bar chart that is used to represent statistical information by way of bars to display the frequency distribution of continuous data. It indicates the number of observations that lie in-between the range of values, which is known as class or bin.

A histogram chart helps you to display the distribution of numerical data by rendering vertical bars. You can compare non-discrete values with the help of a histogram chart.

For example, the count of students who got English subject marks on an exam in various ranges that can be visualized using a histogram chart.

What is Bar Chart?

Bar Chart is used to compare the frequency, total count, sum, or an average of data in different categories by using horizontal or vertical bars. It is also known as a column chart.

With the help of Bar Chart, you can also do various types of category comparison, which is graphically visualized using a bar chart. Generally, the bar chart will have an axis, label, scales, and bars, represent measurable values like percentages or numbers.

Bar Plots are used to display all types of data, from quarterly sales, seasonal rainfall to job growth. Sometimes you can use a double bar graph to evaluate two data sets. It is also used to evaluate two or three data sets easily.

KEY DIFFERENCES

  • The Histogram refers to a graphical representation that shows data by way of bars to display the frequency of numerical data whereas the Bar graph is a graphical representation of data that uses bars to compare different categories of data.
  • Histogram used for distribution of non-discrete variables while Bar Graph is used for comparison of discrete variables .
  • In Histogram, we cannot rearrange the blocks while in Bar Charts, it is common to rearrange the blocks, from highest to lowest.
  • Histogram used for displaying the frequency of occurrences and Bar Plots helps you to compare different categories of data.

Example of Histogram

While constructing a Histogram, you need to take the observations and split them into a logical series of intervals called bins.

Above given chart showing the GDP rate range in a special year.

Example of Bar Chart

Here is a survey of 100 people about their favorite food

Favorite Food
Hot dog Pizza Burger Sandwich Pasta
10 25 20 35 5

Bar Graph:

The above-given example shows the most liked food is Sandwich, and the least liked food is pasta in this survey.

Difference Between Histogram and Bar Chart

Histogram Bar Graph
The histogram is a term that refers to a graphical representation that shows data by way of bars to display the frequency of numerical data. The bar graph is a graphical representation of data that uses bars to compare different categories of data.
Distribution of non-discrete variables. Comparison of discrete variables.
Bars touch each other, so there are no spaces between bars. Bars never touch each other, so there are spaces between bars.
In this type of graph, elements are grouped so that they are considered as ranges. In this type of graph, elements are taken as individual entities.
Histogram width may vary. The bar chart is mostly of equal width.
To display the frequency of occurrences. To compare different categories of data.
In Histogram, the data points are grouped and rendered based on its bin value. In the Bar graph, each data point is rendered as a separate bar.
The items of the Histogram are numbers, which should be categorized to represent data range. As opposed to the bar graph, items should be considered as individual entities.
In Histogram, we cannot rearrange the blocks. Bar graph, it is common to rearrange the blocks, from highest to lowest

Advantages of Histogram

Here are the Pros/benefits of histogram:

  • It helps you to display a large amount of data, which is hard to interpret in a tabular form.
  • It shows the frequency of occurrences of the different data values.
  • Useful when calculating the capability of a process.
  • It helps you to predict the future performance of the process.
  • The histogram allows you to show the frequency of occurrences of data along with an interval.

Advantages of Bar Graphs

Here are the Pros/benefits of bar graph:

  • You can use a bar graph with numerical or categorical data.
  • The bar graph displays each data category in a frequency distribution.
  • It shows relative numbers or proportions of multiple categories
  • You can summarize a large data set in visual form.
  • Estimate key values at a glance.
  • Display close numbers or proportions outline.
  • Large data set in the visual form helps you to clarify trends better than tables.

Disadvantages of Histogram

Here are the cons/drawback of histogram:

  • Not allow you to read exact values because data is grouped into categories.
  • It uses only with continuous data.
  • In Histogram, it is not easy to compare two data sets.
  • The use of intervals in the Histogram prevents the calculation of an exact measure of central tendency.

Disadvantages of Bar Graph

Here are the cons/drawback of a bar graph:

  • A bar graph displays only the frequencies of the elements of a data set.
  • You need additional explanation with Bar graph.
  • It fails to reveal key assumptions, causes, effects, or patterns.

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