mshaffer -

... bins that are not populated ... <

For such a bin, add a value that would be in that bin with a Count zero to
your original data. Then use the same steps.

... pivots are for presentation only ... <

I think the pivot table feature is very useful for both analysis and
presentation.

... it's practically impossible if I actually wanted to use the pivot
table as a data source for something else. <

The "intelligence" embedded within a pivot table does sometimes get in the
way of doing simpler things. I sometimes use a pivot table result by copying
and Paste Special Values (thereby eliminating the built-in "intelligence")
so that I can prepare my own chart or even use the results as the data for
another pivot table.

... sources of pivot turorials ... <

Use Google or other search engine for "excel pivot table tutorial" or "excel
2007 pivot table tutorial" (without the quotes).

- Mike
http://www.MikeMiddleton.com



"" wrote in message
...
On Jan 12, 5:34 pm, "Mike Middleton" wrote:
mshaffer -

Here's one way to create the histogram from frequency data:

Arrange data with Grades in a column on the left and Counts in an adjacent
column on the right. Enter labels "Grade" and "Count" in top row. Select
any
cell in the Grade or Count column. Choose Insert PivotTable (dropdown) |
PivotChart. Create PivotTable with PivotChart, OK. In the Field List, do
not check the box for Grade; instead, click Grade and drag to the Axis
Fields area (or to the Row Labels area). Then click the box for Count.
Select one of the Grade values (i.e., one of the Row Labels) in the table,
right-click, and choose Group. Specify "nice values" for Start, End, and
By
(the step or interval width for the frequency distribution). Optionally,
click one of the bars of the Column chart to select the data series,
right-click, choose Format Data Series | Series Options, change the Gap
Width to No Gap, and Close.

Thanx Mike for your response! ...

That comes very close to what I want. However, in the little time
I've played with it, I discovered at least one problem. The histogram
tends to not present bins that are not populated, so one distribution
cannot be visually compared with another. Also, my meager experience
with pivot tables and v.2003 led me to the impression that pivots are
for presentation only. IE, correct me if I'm wrong, but it's
practically impossible if I actually wanted to use the pivot table as
a data source for something else.

Still, I'm now using Excel 2007, and I probably should re-aquaint with
pivots. Any sources of pivot turorials that you'd believe woud help
me would be extremely appreciated.