A histogram shows how values are distributed by grouping them into ranges (called buckets or bins) and showing how many values fall into each. It is ideal for test scores, ages, delivery times, or any numeric data where you want to see the spread. Google Sheets has a built-in histogram chart, so you can create one in a few clicks and then adjust the bucket size. This guide covers the steps, customization, and how to create a frequency table if you need the counts too.
Quick Answer
Select the column of numbers (including the header), click Insert > Chart, and in the Chart editor set Chart type to Histogram chart. Then open Customize > Histogram to change the Bucket size.
Step 1: Prepare Your Data
- Put the values in a single column with a header, such as Score.
- Use numbers only; remove text or blank rows in the middle of the data.
- Each row is one observation (for example, one student's score).
Step 2: Insert a Histogram
- Select the data range, for example A1:A100.
- Click Insert > Chart.
- In the Chart editor, on the Setup tab, open Chart type.
- Scroll to the Other section and choose Histogram chart.
- Check that Use row 1 as headers is on if your column has a header.
Step 3: Customize the Histogram
- In the Chart editor, open the Customize tab.
- Expand Histogram:
- Bucket size: the width of each range (for example, 5 or 10 points).
- Outlier percentile: groups extreme values into edge buckets.
- Show item dividers: shows the individual values stacked within each bar.
- Expand Chart & axis titles to name the chart and axes.
- Expand Series to change bar color.
Choosing a bucket size matters: too small and the chart looks spiky; too large and details disappear. Try a few values to find one that shows the pattern clearly.
Create a Frequency Table (Optional)
If you also need the counts behind the chart:
- In another column, list the upper limits of each bin, such as 60, 70, 80, 90, 100.
- Select the cell next to the first bin and enter
=FREQUENCY(A2:A100, C2:C6), adjusting ranges to your data. - Google Sheets fills in the counts for each bin (plus one extra for values above the last bin).
- You can chart this table as a column chart for full control over bins and labels.
Histogram vs. Column Chart
| Histogram | Column chart | |
|---|---|---|
| Data | Raw numeric values | Categories with values |
| Bars | Represent ranges and touch each other | Represent categories with gaps |
| Best for | Distributions | Comparisons |
For other chart types, read how to make a graph in Google Sheets.
Troubleshooting
Histogram is not in the chart list
Scroll down to the Other section in Chart type, or type in the search box if shown.
The chart looks wrong
Make sure only one numeric column is selected. Extra columns (like names) can change how the chart is built.
Bars do not update after changing data
Check the Data range in the Chart editor includes new rows. Extend it or use an open-ended range like A1:A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a histogram on the Google Sheets mobile app?
You can view and do limited editing of charts on mobile; creating and customizing histograms is easiest on a computer.
How do I change the number of bins?
Change the Bucket size in Customize > Histogram. Smaller sizes create more bins.
Can I copy the chart to Docs or Slides?
Yes. Copy the chart and paste it into Google Docs or Slides, and choose to link it to the spreadsheet so it can update.
Summary
- Select a single column of numbers with a header.
- Click Insert > Chart and choose Histogram chart.
- Adjust Bucket size and titles in Customize.
- Use FREQUENCY if you need the counts in a table.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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