The Excel FREQUENCY function counts how many values fall into each of a set of bins (intervals) — the engine behind a histogram. It returns an array of counts, one per bin plus an overflow bucket.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
data_array | Required | The range of raw values you want to tally (e.g. test scores in A2:A30). |
bins_array | Required | The range of upper bin boundaries (e.g. 60, 70, 80, 90). Returns one count per bin, plus one extra count for values above the last boundary. |
How to use it
FREQUENCY returns a vertical array of counts: one for each bin boundary, plus one final cell for everything above the top boundary (so n bins produce n+1 results). Each bin counts values that are greater than the previous boundary and less than or equal to the current one.
| bin (≤) | count | meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 3 | scores up to 60 |
| 70 | 5 | 61–70 |
| 80 | 8 | 71–80 |
| 90 | 6 | 81–90 |
| (over) | 2 | above 90 |
In Excel 365 you simply type one formula and it spills down automatically:
Legacy Excel: in versions before dynamic arrays you must select the whole output range first, type the formula, and confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter — and remember to select one more cell than you have bins, for the overflow count.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a FREQUENCY example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Why does FREQUENCY return one more value than I have bins?
How are the bin edges counted?
Do I still need Ctrl+Shift+Enter?
Can I use COUNTIFS instead?
COUNTIFS with two criteria per bin (e.g. >60 and ≤70) gives the same counts and is often easier to read, though FREQUENCY is more compact for many bins.Master functions like this in one day
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