What should the range of intervals/classes be when creating a frequency distribution?

When creating a frequency distribution, the range of intervals or classes is essential for organizing data effectively and ensuring that the information is presented clearly. A range of 5 to 15 is generally considered optimal because it balances granularity and comprehensibility.

Using 5 to 15 class intervals allows for a sufficient number of intervals to capture the variability within the data while avoiding excessive detail that can complicate interpretation. If the number of classes is too small, important variations may be overlooked; if it is too large, the distribution may become difficult to read and interpret. This range is also aligned with statistical guidelines that suggest about 5 to 20 classes as a typical range for frequency distributions, thereby reinforcing the validity of this choice for effectively analyzing and presenting data.

In contrast, other ranges such as 1 to 5 may be too narrow, leading to inadequate representation of data distributions, while 10 to 20 and 20 to 30 could result in either excessive detail or insufficient breadth, making it challenging to analyze trends or patterns effectively. The 5 to 15 range strikes the right balance, thus making it the best choice for creating a meaningful frequency distribution.