Objective

To understand histogram

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 Why would you like to use this tool
(deliverables)?

• To display and understand how a set of data points are

distributed.
• To illustrate the variability in a process.

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 When would you use this tool
(context)?

• When you want to understand if a process is under

control.
• When analysing a process.
• When you want to validate process changes.
• When monitoring a process on a continuous basis.

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 How to use this tool (steps)?

1 Collect the data – measurements of the variable you arewishing to present in

the form of a histogram.

2 Define a range for the histogram – upper and lower limits that include all of
the data points.
3 Divide the range into a number of equal intervals. Use 5 to 7 intervals if less
than 50 data points have been collected; 10 to 20 intervals for more than 250
data points.
4 Count the number of data points (occurrences) in each interval and construct
the histogram – see below.
5 Write the Number (N) of data points collected on the histogram.
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 How to make the best use of
the tool (tips and traps)?
✂ Use it in conjunction with a controlchart.
• Do not always expect the histogram to take the shape

of a perfect bell curve.

• Ask the help of a statistical expert if you have
problems.

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 What could be done next?

✂ Use the histogram to monitor the variability of a process.

• Histograms can help eliminate problems if a process is not
under control.

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