5 min read
Understanding Bins for Histograms
Learn how to create and use bins for histogram visualizations
What are Bins?
Bins group continuous numbers into ranges.
Example:
- Ages 0-10, 11-20, 21-30...
- Prices $0-$50, $51-$100, $101-$150...
Why Use Bins?
- Create histograms
- See data distribution
- Simplify number ranges
- Find patterns
Creating Bins
- Right-click a measure
- Select "Create" → "Bins"
- Set bin size
- Click OK
Bin Size
| Original Data | Bin Size | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 5, 12, 18, 25 | 10 | 0-10: 2 items, 10-20: 2 items, 20-30: 1 item |
Creating a Histogram
Steps:
- Create bins for your measure
- Drag bins to Columns
- Drag same measure (COUNT) to Rows
- You have a histogram!
Example: Age Distribution
- Create bins for Age (size: 10)
- Drag Age (bin) to Columns
- Drag Age to Rows (set to COUNT)
Result shows how many people in each age range.
Choosing Bin Size
| Bin Size | Result |
|---|---|
| Too small | Too many bars, hard to read |
| Too big | Loses detail |
| Just right | Clear pattern visible |
Tip: Start with auto-suggested size, then adjust.
Editing Bins
- Right-click the bin field
- Select "Edit"
- Change bin size
- Click OK
Histogram Reading
Count
|
5 | ████
4 | ████ ████
3 | ████ ████ ████
2 | ████ ████ ████ ████
1 | ████ ████ ████ ████ ████
+----------------------------
0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50
Age
This shows most people are age 10-30.
Common Uses
- Age distribution
- Price ranges
- Test score ranges
- Transaction amounts
- Time durations
Tips
- Use round bin sizes (10, 50, 100)
- Aim for 5-15 bins
- Check distribution shape
- Adjust size for clarity
Distribution Shapes
- Normal: Bell curve, most in middle
- Skewed: Most on one side
- Uniform: Even across all bins
Summary
Bins group numbers into ranges. Create bins, drag to columns, count to rows = histogram. Adjust bin size for best view!