Gnumeric · Statistical analysis · Intermediate
Build a Histogram with Custom Bins in Gnumeric
Use Gnumeric histogram cutoffs, bin boundaries and frequency output to understand numeric measurements without miscounting edges.
Official documentation reviewed; native application verification pending · Updated 10 October 2026 · Editorial standards
A histogram groups numeric observations into intervals, called bins. Gnumeric’s Histogram analysis tool can create a frequency table and optional chart, with controls for cutoffs and which side of each interval includes an exact boundary value.
Example data
Download weekly readings (CSV). The readings are 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26.
Suppose the three bins are defined this way:
| Interval rule | Values included | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 16 | 12, 14 | 2 |
| 16 up to, but not including, 22 | 16, 18, 20 | 3 |
| 22 or greater | 22, 24, 26 | 3 |
These counts assume each cutoff belongs to the bin on the right. The histogram dialog can use other boundary rules, so match its settings to these intervals before comparing results.
Configure the Gnumeric histogram tool
- Open the sample data and identify the eight numeric readings.
- Find the Histogram analysis tool in the statistics tools.
- On Input, supply the readings and choose columns as the grouping method.
- On Cutoffs, choose predetermined cutoff cells containing
16and22, or configure equivalent calculated cutoffs. - On Bins, choose the rule where boundary values are included in the bin to their right, with the outer bins enabled.
- On Graphs & Options, choose a histogram/column chart if desired, and write results to a new sheet.
Why histogram numbers sometimes look wrong
- If 16 is counted in the left bin, the tool is using a different interval convention.
- A histogram density is not necessarily the same thing as a raw count, especially when bin widths differ.
- A bar chart of categories is not the same as a numeric histogram.
- Out-of-range values can disappear if the first or last open-ended bins are disabled.
For non-numeric categories such as Pass, Fail, and Pending, use the categorical frequency-table guide instead.
Verification note: Sample frequencies were checked independently; actual Gnumeric output remains to be verified in the target application.
Official source: Application handbook or manual. This guide is an editorial draft prepared for staging; exact menus and outputs must be checked in the target software/version before public release.