Frequency Distribution Table in Data Analysis Example
Frequency Distribution Table
A frequency distribution table in data analysis is a structured way to organize and summarize a dataset, showing how often each value occurs. This helps in identifying patterns, trends, and the shape of the data distribution clearly and efficiently.
Purpose of Frequency Distribution Table in Data Analysis
A frequency distribution table provides a quick overview of data behavior by showing which values are most or least common, detecting skewness or clusters, and simplifying large amounts of raw data into a comprehensible format. It also helps calculate measures such as the mode and supports further analysis like creating histograms or cumulative plots.
Components of a Frequency Distribution Table
Each table typically includes:
- Class Intervals: Ranges of values (e.g., 0–10, 11–20) used when data is large or continuous.
- Frequency (f): The number of observations falling within each class interval.
- Cumulative Frequency: A running total of frequencies up to a given class.
- Relative Frequency: The ratio or percentage of each frequency relative to the total number of observations.
How to Construct a Frequency Distribution Table
Step-1: List Data or Intervals – Write the values or class intervals in one column.
Step-2: Tally Occurrences – Mark each instance using tally marks.
Step-3: Count Frequencies – Summarize tallies into a frequency column.
Step-4: Add Cumulative or Relative Frequencies (if needed).
Step-5: Total Frequencies – Sum all frequencies to verify the dataset size.
Example:
| Score Range | Frequency | Cumulative Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10 | 3 | 3 |
| 11–20 | 5 | 8 |
| 21–30 | 7 | 15 |
| 31–40 | 8 | 20 |
Note: This frequency distribution table shows how many students scored within certain ranges and how the total accumulates — offering a clear view of score distribution.