# Histogram

The Histogram displays the distribution of data across a continuous (typically time-based) variable, by aggregating the data into bins of a fixed size. Vertical bars show the count of data within each bin.

| Features                                                           | Quantity | Notes                                      |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Required [Dimensions](/immerse/measures-and-dimensions#dimensions) | 1-2      | Dimension 1 = X Axis, Dimension 2 = Series |
| Required [Measures](/immerse/measures-and-dimensions#measures)     | 1        | Measure 1 = Height.                        |

<Info>
  You can convert Histogram charts to the New Combo chart format. For more information, see [New Combo charts](/immerse/immerse-chart-types/new-combo#duplicating-and-upgrading-other-chart-types-to-new-combo-charts).
</Info>

Histograms can count occurrences of data other than the binned dimension by assigning a series.

Use a Histogram to understand the distribution of your data, and to see areas of unusually high or low density, which would be masked by an aggregate such as *Average*.

Once you choose your measure and dimension, you can edit the labels for the X and Y axes. Click the label and enter your custom text.

### Show Range Chart

You can change the range of values in your chart by "brushing" over the range chart, or by entering fixed start and end values on the X Axis.

### Color Palette

You can use a custom palette to choose the bar color in your chart. By default, data points are colored light blue. You can choose one of 8 colors.

If you set the **Color** dimension, you can assign colors to individual values, or you can assign the same color to several dimension values to visually group them in the chart.

### Custom Measure Formatting

You can also use custom measure formats for the values in your chart. See [Customizing Measure and Date Formats](/immerse/measures-and-dimensions#customize-formats).

## Histogram Examples

Choose a **Data Source**. This example uses the official database of [UFO sightings](https://github.com/planetsig/ufo-reports/tree/master/csv-data)

This chart categorizes UFO sightings on the dimension of *Sighting\_Time* and uses the number of sightings as the *measure*.

![](https://files.buildwithfern.com/heavyai.docs.buildwithfern.com/heavyai/a3edc30ca94695a5cb5b66f4f9d122dffc355103eefaea5cc61a8d7ed249b476/docs/assets/SS_63.jpg)

Adding the **Color** dimension of *shape* visually shows the relative number of sighting types within each time-based bin.

![](https://files.buildwithfern.com/heavyai.docs.buildwithfern.com/heavyai/69729126b0935be80598a6cc3e5d8839779f9a1197e3ef086b4a29da37b9bd12/docs/assets/SS_64.jpg)

The records go back to 1905, with very few recorded sightings. Selecting a more recent 10-year block presents information in a more digestible form. For an ad hoc report, you can brush across values in the **Range Chart** to filter a smaller number of bins, or you can enter start and end dates on the x axis for precise values.

![](https://files.buildwithfern.com/heavyai.docs.buildwithfern.com/heavyai/5697cdd314d589e17b9f7120a81038b444ae65005e1174c6111968ab6a5b2679/docs/assets/SS_66.jpg)

When you set the x axis to a date/time value, you have the option of setting the **BIN** size to month, quarter, or year. Setting the **BIN** size to **1y** lets you compare the aggregate values at a glance.

![](https://files.buildwithfern.com/heavyai.docs.buildwithfern.com/heavyai/b15a690687a10f3dcf3bdf7d22e9d55a34f3ecbc3397e4a8d5177af9e2343630/docs/assets/SS_67.jpg)

Once you set the boundaries for the x axis, you can turn off the **SHOW RANGE CHART** setting. You can also reduce the number of series displayed by removing their entries on the **COLOR PALETTE**.

![](https://files.buildwithfern.com/heavyai.docs.buildwithfern.com/heavyai/1f0957b64654ec2130150aa6980b959e7aeb67301d5244e14db90ac4b695e042/docs/assets/SS_68.jpg)

You can change the labels on the axes and the chart title to reflect the current state of the information.

![](https://files.buildwithfern.com/heavyai.docs.buildwithfern.com/heavyai/9f9060880534ca52f31784abf132484610eb4f4c7a4f4e119aae21597ad07a52/docs/assets/SS_69.jpg)