using a range of numbers example 5 - 7

[MaryT]

How do I correctly use a range of numerical values. I have classes that are
for multiple ages. The database exports 5-7 meaning this class is for ages
5,6 and 7 year olds. How would I get excel to recognize this as 5, 6 and 7.
Also, I want to be able to generate a graph of all the classes for 6 year
olds..7 year olds, etc from my long list of classes with age ranges. Any
suggestions? I can do this if I currently make a column for for each age and
put a "1" in the column for that age, but this is very cumbersome. I would
like to find a more efficient way!

 

[Mike Middleton]

MaryT -

If your original data has already been summarized into groups, e.g.,
five-to-seven year olds, then you'll have to make some assumptions, e.g.,
uniformly distributed, to disaggregate the data.

If you have the original data, use the Histogram tool of Excel's add-in
Analysis ToolPak (by first specifying appropriate bins, i.e., the upper
limit of each interval) or use the free Better Histogram tool from
www.treeplan.com.

If you disaggregate the data and develop your own frequency distribution,
you could use a Column chart type to display the histogram.

- Mike
http://www.mikemiddleton.com