# Distribution

> A chart word, with the charts that use it.

**Definition.** A distribution is how values spread across a range: where they cluster and where they thin out. It shows what is typical and how long the tail is.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 006 · Histogram

- **01 Where values cluster.** The tallest bars are the typical values.
- **02 The tail.** The long, thin end shows the rare, slow values.

## Where you see it

- [006 · Histogram](https://usechartory.com/charts/histogram): Distribution · AI data
- [043 · Box plot](https://usechartory.com/charts/box-plot): Distribution · AI data
- [055 · Ridgeline](https://usechartory.com/charts/ridgeline): Distribution · AI data

## Common mistakes

- **Showing only the average** An average hides a long tail. Show the spread, or the median and P95.
- **Comparing shapes on different scales** Put the groups on one shared axis.

## Questions

### Which chart shows a distribution best?

A histogram for one group, a box plot or a ridgeline for several.

### What are P50 and P95?

The values half and 95 in 100 of the data sit below.

## Related terms

- [Bin](https://usechartory.com/glossary/bin): A range of values grouped into one bar, so a distribution shows its shape.
- [Median](https://usechartory.com/glossary/median): The middle value: half the data sits above it, half below.
- [Quartile](https://usechartory.com/glossary/quartile): The values that cut sorted data into four equal parts; the box in a box plot.
- [Outlier](https://usechartory.com/glossary/outlier): A value far from the rest, drawn on its own so it is not hidden.

## Histogram, box plot, ridgeline and the other types.

In Figma and React, in four sizes, light and dark. Pay once, every update. [See plans](https://usechartory.com/pricing)

Every chart word, A to Z. [Open the glossary](https://usechartory.com/glossary)