MATLAB: How to use histogram(data, num_bins)

Question

I have a 8945×1 double array, and I want to view it as a histogram

first try: histogram(data), here's what I get:

second try: using histogram(data, 20):

what am I doing wrong?

data is attached as an excel file if anybody cares to investigate

thanks!

Answer 1

You don't appear to be doing anything wrong. Your data is the problem:

 1417.69
 521.83
 15.23
 8.28
 7.05

The plot shows exactly what it should: and infinitesimal 1 count at around 1400 and 520, and a gigantic peak at around 0-15 range, since all of your data falls in to that range. Try:

 histogram(data(5:end), 20);

and you will be able to see what I mean.