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FREQUENCY Function
Summary
The FREQUENCY function creates a histogram by counting how many values from a dataset fall into specified ranges or bins. It returns a vertical array where each element shows the frequency of values within each bin, plus an extra count for values exceeding the highest bin.
Syntax
FREQUENCY(data_array, bins_array)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| data_array | Array/Range |
Yes | Dataset of numeric values for frequency analysis |
| bins_array | Array/Range |
Yes | Bin boundaries that define frequency intervals |
Using the FREQUENCY Function
FREQUENCY is perfect for statistical analysis, creating histograms, and understanding data distributions. Select a range one cell taller than your bins_array, enter the formula, and use Ctrl+Shift+Enter (or just Enter in Microsoft 365) to generate the complete frequency distribution.
Common FREQUENCY Examples
Test Score Distribution
=FREQUENCY(B2:B21,A24:A27)Counts how many test scores fall into grade ranges: 0-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, and 90+ (spills into 5 cells automatically)
Sales Volume Bins
=FREQUENCY(SalesData,{1000;5000;10000;25000})Categorizes monthly sales into buckets: <$1000, $1k-$5k, $5k-$10k, $10k-$25k, and $25k+
Employee Age Groups
=FREQUENCY(Ages,{25;35;45;55})Shows age distribution: under 25, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55+ years
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE! error
Cause: data_array or bins_array contains text when numbers expected
Solution: Ensure both arrays contain only numeric values or valid range references
Single cell result
Cause: Formula not entered as array formula
Solution: Select range with one more rows than bins_array, then use Ctrl+Shift+Enter
Notes
- Output array has n+1 elements where n = number of bins
- Last element always counts 'overflow' values > highest bin
- Sort bins_array in ascending order for proper results
- Works with current Microsoft 365 dynamic arrays
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in:
Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+