The key to making histograms in Excel is preparing data, inserting charts, and adjusting interval settings. First, make sure that the data is a column of clean numerical data without mixing other information; then click "Insert" to select the histogram type to generate a chart; then adjust the bin by right-clicking the axis format, you can choose to divide the intervals automatically, by width or by quantity, or customize the boundary values; finally pay attention to the details of the chart such as title, axis label, color, etc. to improve readability. The whole process is simple but attention should be paid to the details to ensure the chart is clear and accurate.

It is not difficult to make a histogram in Excel. The key is to know how to prepare data, how to select charts, and don’t make mistakes in settings. Excel provides ready-made tools, you don’t have to calculate intervals one by one by one. As long as you operate it properly, you can do it in a few strokes.

Data preparation is the first step

Before making a histogram, make sure your data is sorted out. Generally speaking, you need a column of numerical data, such as continuous data such as sales, grades, and height.

• The data should be clean : there is no null or non-numeric content, otherwise the chart may go wrong.
• It is recommended to put a single column : do not mix other irrelevant information, so as to facilitate subsequent selection and processing.
• There is no need to group in advance : Excel will automatically help you count the frequency by interval, unless you have specific interval division requirements.

The method of inserting a histogram is simple

Since Excel 2016, histograms have become one of the built-in chart types, and the operation paths are very intuitive:

• Select your data column
• Click "Insert" on the menu bar
• Find "Histogram" in the "Chart" area and click Insert

At this time you will see a histogram of default grouping. If this result does not meet expectations, you can continue to adjust the settings.

Adjust interval settings to make the chart clearer

The default interval division may not be appropriate. At this time, you can manually modify the bin (interval) settings:

1. Right-click on the horizontal axis → select "Set the axis format"
2. In the right panel, you can choose:
   • Automatic: Let Excel decide the range
   • By width: Set the span of each interval (for example, every 10 is divided into one interval)
   • By quantity: specify several intervals

If you have your own interval boundary value, you can also create a new bin data column and specify it in the chart settings.

For example: If you want to divide the scores into 0-60, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90-100, you can write these boundaries in a column, and then check "Overflow" and "Unflow" in "Set Data Series Format" to control extreme values.

Tips: Don't ignore chart details

Although the picture is out, it sometimes looks weird, maybe it is because these places are not paid attention to:

• Is the horizontal axis label too dense? You can adjust the interval width appropriately, or delete some extremely small bins.
• The chart title and axis name are not written? Double-click the corresponding position to edit it, and adding instructions will make it easier for others to understand.
• Too monotonous? Right-clicking the post can change the fill color or border to improve readability.

Basically these are the steps. The whole process is not complicated, but some settings are easy to ignore, especially the way bin is divided, which will affect the final effect.

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