Home / Statistical Tools / Analysis Tools / Pareto / How-To / Continuous Frequency
Continuous Frequency¶
When each observation has an associated measurement (like revenue, cost, or time), use a Continuous column as the frequency. This creates a Pareto chart weighted by that measurement rather than by simple counts. Continuous data can include decimal values and even negative numbers: Quantum XL handles both seamlessly.
Goal¶
Create a Pareto chart showing regions ranked by total revenue, revealing which regions contribute the most to overall performance.
Sample Data¶
Press Copy for Excel, then paste the table into a blank worksheet.
| Region | Revenue |
|---|---|
| North | 245.78 |
| South | 89.32 |
| North | 187.45 |
| East | 52.16 |
| West | -12.50 |
| North | 312.67 |
| South | -45.29 |
| East | 78.93 |
| West | 15.41 |
| North | 156.22 |
Each row represents one transaction with its revenue value. Note that this data includes decimal values and negative numbers (representing returns or adjustments). Quantum XL will sum the revenue for each region to determine the Pareto ranking.
Steps¶
-
Put the data in Excel
Press Copy for Excel above the table, click cell A1 in a blank worksheet, and press Ctrl+V. The header row lands in row 1 and the 10 data rows in rows 2 through 11.
-
Launch the analysis
From the Excel ribbon, select QXL Stat Tools → Analysis Tools → Pareto.
-
Select your data
Select cells A1:B11 (the header row plus all 10 data rows).
-
Configure the analysis
In the Pareto Analysis dialog:
- Data Columns: Uncheck "Revenue"
- Frequency Data (Optional): Check "Revenue"
Click Finish to generate the chart.
Result¶
Quantum XL sums the revenue for each region:
- North: 902.12 (4 transactions)
- East: 131.09 (2 transactions)
- South: 44.03 (2 transactions, including one negative)
- West: 2.91 (2 transactions, includes one negative)
Negative Values in Pareto Analysis
Traditional Pareto charts are designed for non-negative data such as counts or costs. Quantum XL extends this capability by allowing negative values in continuous frequency analysis, enabling more comprehensive financial analysis where returns, refunds, or adjustments need to be factored into category rankings.
The chart handles negative values in the data. Notice that West has a small positive total because its sale (15.41) slightly outweighs its refund (-12.50). This demonstrates how continuous frequency analysis reveals the true financial impact of each category, properly accounting for both positive and negative values.