# Histogram Charts

## Content



A histogram is a chart that takes a collection of raw data values and plots the frequency distribution. It is frequently used with grouped data, which is generated by measuring a collection of raw data and plotting the number of data values that fall within defined intervals. Note that raw values are not used to generate data for a histogram, but are used to generate a frequency instead. While showing similarities to bar charts, it is important to note that histograms are used with quantitative variables whereas bar charts are commonly used with qualitative variables.

A histogram is beneficial for pinpointing prominent features of the distribution of data for a quantitative variable. The important features for a quantitative variable include the following:

*   It reveals the typical average value.
*   The data yields a general shape. The data values can be distributed symmetrically around the middle or they can be skewed.
*   If there are distant values from the group of data it shows them as outlier values.
*   The data values can be near or far to the typical value.
*   The distribution may result in a single peak or multiple peaks and valleys.


> type=note
> **Note**: The interval values represent the frequency of data elements. There are many different techniques used for displaying frequency. Frequency is commonly displayed in the shape of a polygon, column, or bar graph.

### To set the chart type to Histogram at design time

*   Expand the ChartGroups node in the .NET Properties window. In the right pane of the editor, set the [ChartType](/componentone/api/win/online-chart2d/dotnet-framework-api/C1.Win.C1Chart.4.8/C1.Win.C1Chart.ChartGroup.ChartType.html) property to Histogram.
*   Another alternate method is to expand the ChartGroups node in the .NET Properties window. Open the **ChartGroups Collection Editor** by clicking the **ellipsis** button. In the right pane of the editor, set the [ChartType](/componentone/api/win/online-chart2d/dotnet-framework-api/C1.Win.C1Chart.4.8/C1.Win.C1Chart.ChartGroup.ChartType.html) property of the appropriate ChartGroup to **Histogram**.

## See Also

[Histogram Chart Programming Considerations](/componentone/docs/win/online-chart2d/specific2dcharts/histogramcharts/histogramchartprogra)

[Types of Histogram Graphs](/componentone/docs/win/online-chart2d/specific2dcharts/histogramcharts/typesofhistogramgrap)