Histogram: An Introduction
An Introduction:
A graphical representation, similar to a bar chart in structure, that
organizes a group of data points into user-specified ranges. The Histogram
condenses a data series into an easily interpreted visual by taking many
data points and grouping them into logical ranges or bins.
Frequency
Etymology:
Derived from the Greek words - Histos – Any thing set upright, Gamma -
Drawing record writing.
It is also said, Karl Pearson introduced the term histogram in 1891, derived
the name from “Historical Diagram”.
What It is?
Histogram is a tool for graphically portraying a frequency
distribution. It enables the user to obtain useful information about
the shape and dispersion (spread) of a set of data.
The histogram enables a very concise portrayal of a KPI data /
other data / information in a bar chart format and helps Class interval
understand / characterize data.
Histogram: An Overview
Histogram speaks about:
Location- The mean or average value, of a set of data. Location
Shape - The type of Data Distribution.
Spread - The total amount of variation or deviation from the
mean value. Shape
Difference between Histogram and Pareto
Diagram
Histogram Pareto Diagram
Histogram is a tool that
Purpose illustrates the frequency Pareto diagram is a tool
of occurrence of an for prioritizing data
event, using height of bar µ-3σ
as indicator
µ-2σ µ-σ µ µ+σ µ+2σ µ+3σ
Used for both continuous
Type of Used only continuous data and discrete data
data Spread
Used to analyse Location Used for identify vital few
Application (Mean), Spread (variation or causes that contribute to
Std. Deviation) and Shape majority of effects by using
(distribution) of Data the Pareto 80/20 rule
Histogram: Types
Typical Histogram Shapes and What They
Mean 5. Double-peaked or bimodal. The
1. Normal. A common pattern is the bell– outcomes of two processes with
shaped curve known as the “normal different distributions are combined in
distribution.” Here, points are as likely to one
occur on one side of the average similar set of data.
to the other side.
6. Plateau. The plateau might be called a
2. Skewed. The skewed distribution is
“multimodal distribution.” Several
asymmetrical because a natural limit
processes with normal distributions are
prevents outcomes on one side. The
combined.
distribution’s peak is off centre toward
the limit and a tail stretches away from
it.
7. Edge peak. The edge peak distribution
looks like the normal distribution
3. Comb. In a comb distribution, the bars except that it has a large peak at one
are alternately tall and short. This tail. Usually this is caused by faulty
distribution often results from rounded- construction of the histogram, with data
off data and / or an incorrectly lumped together into a group labelled
constructed histogram “greater than…”
4. Dog food. The dog food distribution is 8. Truncated or heart-cut. The truncated
missing something—results near the distribution looks like a normal
average. distribution with the tails cut off.
Where to use a Histograms?
When you want to see the shape of the data’s distribution - determining whether the output
of a process is distributed approximately normally or not ?
When analyzing whether a process can meet the customer’s requirements.
When analyzing what the output from a supplier’s process looks like.
When seeing whether a process change has occurred from one time period to another
Analysing the impact of an improvement action – checking whether the shift in Mean or
Variation has happened or not ?
When comparing outputs of two processes for their current level of process capability
(Mean, Variance)
When you wish to communicate the distribution of data quickly and easily to others.
