What is the Difference Between Bar Graph and Histogram?

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The main difference between a bar graph and a histogram lies in the type of data they represent and their visual appearance. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Data representation: A bar graph represents categorical data, while a histogram represents numerical data (discrete or continuous data).
  • Equal space between bars: In a bar graph, there is equal space between every two consecutive bars, indicating discontinuity between categories. In contrast, histogram bars are adjacent to each other, with no space between them, revealing continuity in the data.
  • Data arrangement: Data in a bar graph can be arranged in any order, while data in a histogram is arranged in the order of range.
  • X-axis: The x-axis in a bar graph can represent anything, while the x-axis in a histogram should represent only continuous data in terms of numbers.

In summary, a bar graph is used to compare different categories of discrete variables, while a histogram visualizes the frequency distribution of continuous variables.

Comparative Table: Bar Graph vs Histogram

Here is a table comparing the differences between bar graphs and histograms:

Feature Bar Graph Histogram
Usage Compare different categories of data Display the frequency of occurrences
Indicates Discrete values Non-discrete values
Data Categorical data Quantitative data
Rendering Each data point is rendered as a separate bar The data points are grouped and rendered based on the bin value
Space between bars Can have space No space
Reordering bars Can be reordered Cannot be reordered
Axis label placement Axis labels can be placed on or between the ticks Axis labels are placed on the ticks

In summary, bar graphs are used to compare different categories of data and indicate discrete values, while histograms display the frequency of occurrences and represent non-discrete values. Bar graphs plot categorical data, whereas histograms plot quantitative data with ranges of the data grouped into bins or intervals.