A histogram groups numerical data into equal-width intervals and draws a bar for the count in each. The bars touch, because the intervals are continuous, which is what distinguishes a histogram from a bar graph.
Math Dictionary / Histogram
Histogram
A histogram uses bars to show how numerical data are grouped into intervals.
StatisticsGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8Algebra 1SATACT
What it means
It helps show the shape of a data distribution.
Also called: frequency histogram
Examples
| A bar may show scores from 70 to 79 |
| Bars usually touch because intervals are continuous |
| Histograms show frequency by interval |
Common mistake
A histogram is for numerical intervals, while a bar graph compares categories.
Try one
Question: Do bars in a histogram usually touch?
Show answer
Yes, because the intervals are continuous.