A frequency table organizes data by listing each category or value and the number of times it occurs, called its frequency. Learners interpret the table to identify the most and least frequent values, compare frequencies, find differences, and determine the total number of observations by combining the frequencies; relative frequency, percentages, and grouped-interval tables are beyond this scope.
A frequency table shows how many times each value or category appears. The number in the frequency column tells you how often it occurs.
Example: A class recorded its favorite fruit.
| Fruit | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Apples | 6 |
| Bananas | 4 |
| Oranges | 3 |
| Grapes | 5 |
Step 1: Find the most frequent value.
Look for the greatest frequency. The greatest number is , so apples are the most frequent favorite fruit.
Step 2: Find the least frequent value.
Look for the smallest frequency. The smallest number is , so oranges are the least frequent favorite fruit.
Step 3: Compare two frequencies.
To find how many more students chose apples than bananas, subtract:
So, 2 more students chose apples than bananas.
Step 4: Find the total number of observations.
Add all the frequencies:
So, 18 students were included in the table.
When reading a frequency table, compare the numbers in the frequency column and add them when you need the total.
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
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