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Understand distributions

Free Histogram Generator

Turn a column of raw measurements into a frequency distribution. See how values spread, where they cluster, and how bin choices change the picture.

Start with your data ↓
One numeric column of raw observations
Your workspace

Create your histogram

CSV, TSV, XLS/XLSX or pasted cells. Your spreadsheet contents stay on this device.

Start with your table or try the sample

One numeric column of raw observations

No account or server-side file processing.

Input requirements

Give the chart the right data

Select a numeric column of raw observations, not a pre-counted frequency table. Auto uses a Sturges-style bin count capped at 30; you can choose 1–50 equal-width bins. Constant values use one padded interval. Y always counts observations.

Maximum import: 10 MB, 2,000 rows including the header, 100 columns, and 20,000 cells. This tool accepts zero or absolute numeric values between 10⁻⁹ and 10¹²; rescale extreme values first. Excel imports read the first worksheet.

Choose deliberately

When to use a histogram

Order values, response times, customer ages, or test scores. Histograms show the shape of a distribution rather than a comparison between named categories.

When to choose another chart

Do not import a table of categories and frequencies as raw observations. Use a bar chart for that task. Changing bins changes the appearance, so check more than one bin count before drawing conclusions.

From table to figure

Three steps to a useful chart

  1. Import and review

    Upload a spreadsheet, paste cells, or load fictional sample data. Review the automatically selected fields and correct them if necessary.

  2. Read and refine

    Inspect the values and any data warnings. Choose a publication style, canvas, title, and source note.

  3. Export your result

    Download editable SVG or PNG at 1×, 2×, or 3×. The original spreadsheet contents stay in your browser.

Before you create your chart

Which bin includes a boundary value?

Bins include the lower boundary and exclude the upper one. The final bin includes its upper boundary, so the maximum value is counted exactly once.

Why are all bars touching?

Adjacent bars represent continuous numeric intervals. This distinguishes a histogram from a bar chart of separate categories.

What happens if all values are identical?

The tool displays one interval centered on the common value and counts every observation. It does not invent a distribution.

Does Charttoolbox upload my data?

Spreadsheet contents are parsed, calculated, and rendered locally. Optional Google Analytics loads only after consent and does not receive filenames, spreadsheet contents, or generated chart data.