Have you ever looked at a list of numbers and wondered, “How many values are there up to this point?” That’s what cumulative frequency helps you figure out!
It’s a simple concept that helps you keep a running total in a set of data—especially useful in statistics, surveys, and class tests.
Let’s break it down together.
Table of Contents
🙋 What Is Cumulative Frequency?
Cumulative frequency is the running total of frequencies in a data set.
It tells you how many values are less than or equal to a certain number.
Think of it like stacking numbers as you go—adding each one to the total so far.
🧮 How to Calculate Cumulative Frequency
Here’s the step-by-step method:
Step 1: Start with a frequency table
Let’s say a teacher records how many students scored within certain grade ranges on a test.
| Score Range | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 0–10 | 2 |
| 11–20 | 4 |
| 21–30 | 5 |
| 31–40 | 3 |
| 41–50 | 6 |
Step 2: Add a new column for Cumulative Frequency
Now, we’ll calculate the running total of frequencies.
| Score Range | Frequency | Cumulative Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10 | 2 | 2 |
| 11–20 | 4 | 2 + 4 = 6 |
| 21–30 | 5 | 6 + 5 = 11 |
| 31–40 | 3 | 11 + 3 = 14 |
| 41–50 | 6 | 14 + 6 = 20 |
🎉 The final cumulative frequency tells us that 20 students took the test.
⚙️ Cumulative Frequency Calculator
Enter the Frequency Values in the tool below (each separated by a comma) and it will calculate the Cumulative Frequency.
📌 Why Is Cumulative Frequency Useful?
Cumulative frequency helps you:
- See how data builds up over time or range
- Understand how many values fall below a certain point
- Create cumulative frequency graphs (great for visual learners)
- Work with percentiles and medians
✅ Quick Recap
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. List the data | Start with a frequency table |
| 2. Add a new column | Call it “Cumulative Frequency” |
| 3. Add as you go | Add each new frequency to the total so far |