How to Use Excel's FREQUENCY Function
- 1). Remember the formula breaks down to the following: FREQUENCY(data_array,bins_array). Data is the set of values for which you will compute the frequencies. If you don't enter any data in the cell, you'll receive zeros in return. Bin is how you want the data broken down, or the ranges into which you want the data to fall.
- 2). Note that the FREQUENCY function will always give you one more frequency than data entered. For example, if you're a teacher and you enter in the test scores of 20 students, then you'll receive 21 frequency values.
- 3). Set up your worksheet to contain the data and the ranges you desire. Using the test score example, column A should contain individual test scores (data) and column B should contain the ranges corresponding to specific letter grades (bin).
- 4). Select vertical cells in column C plus one cell more than the number of cells used in column B. Enter "=FREQUENCY(A1:A#,B1:B#)" in the formula bar, replacing "#" with the last row number for your column A and B cells.
- 5). Press the following after you enter the function in the formula bar: "Control" + "Shift" + "Enter" if you're working in a Windows-based program or "Command" + "Enter" if you're working on a Macintosh/Apple computer.
- 6). View your results and notice the one additional number at the end of column C.
Source...