topic Re: Add mean to distribution histogram ? in Discussions

Add mean to distribution histogram ?

Martinej — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:05:02 GMT

Hi Community,
As I'm a new user i struggle to get familiar with all the functions.
Is it possible to add a mean line calculated from JMP in a distribution histogram ?? (attached an illustration of what i would like)
Anyone that can help ??

Thanks

Re: Add mean to distribution histogram ?

Dan_Obermiller — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 14:28:13 GMT

Your example looks like the x-axis is nominal, which means you actually have a bar chart, not a histogram.

In that case, the mean is the total number of observations divided by the number of categories. You can add a reference line and for the value, enter that number.

If this truly is a histogram, then you want the reference line that is the average number of counts in each bar? That would change depending on how many bars you would like to have, which is changed easily using the grabber tool. It becomes a bit more difficult to add your line then.

Maybe a more specific example or clarification of what is being graphed would be in order. You should also probably consider graph builder rather than Distributions.

Re: Add mean to distribution histogram ?

Martinej — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 15:00:05 GMT

Thanks Dan for your support.
I was checking and the x-axis data is nominal. It a machine number.
The Y-axis shown is also nominal. it is the grand total sum of working hour we use for assembly of machines.

the distribution shows me the spread in hours, but i would like for simple visualization, to add the average hours used for the sum of machines.
The benchmark line I could add manually as this will not move, but the average could move if I add data.

Maybe graph builder is a better choice?

Martin

Re: Add mean to distribution histogram ?

Dan_Obermiller — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:45:52 GMT

It sounds like the Y-axis (grand total hours worked) should be continuous, not nominal.

So, this is what I think you have, correct me if wrong. Your data has two (relevant) columns: machine ID (nominal) and total hours worked (continuous).

If that is the case, I think Graph Builder would be a better choice. I have attached some mock data (with an attached script) to show how to get your desired graph.

Here are the steps to make the graph.

Go to Graph > Graph Builder

Drag Total Hours to the Y zone.

Click the Line element to get a horizontal line drawn at the mean of the hours worked.

Right-click in the graph and choose Add > Bar.

You should now have a line drawn at the mean and a bar that goes up to that horizontal line.

Drag Machine ID to the X-axis.

This will give you the bar chart, but the line is now connecting the tops of all of the bars.

In the Line element area, click on the variables gray triangle and clear the checkbox for the X-axis (Machine ID), as shown in this picture.

Click Done.

It looks like a lot of steps, but really is not that bad. It just takes awhile to type it all. I made this picture in about 20 seconds.

Re: Add mean to distribution histogram ?

Martinej — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 12:02:35 GMT

Hi Dan,

Thanks alot.

This did the trick, and it was really not bad.

Martin

Re: Add mean to distribution histogram ?

RebMc — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 19:07:49 GMT

Hello,

I am following the steps to get a line added to my bar graph for my x variables. When I add it, the line is a count. Any advice?

Thanks,

Rebecca

@Dan_Obermiller Thanks in advance!! :)

Re: Add mean to distribution histogram ?

txnelson — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 21:48:46 GMT

You have chosen to base the line on the Airline variable. No Y variable is in your selection, therefore, the only thing it has to calculate is the count. If you select both Airline and Mishandled Bags, you will get the mean bags mishandled for each airline