How to create custom bins

AddMaple automatically calculates appropriate "bins" or groups for numeric and date data. These are re-calculated automatically based on your dataset and the filters you have applied.

Sometimes it's useful to have your own specific bins that don't change. There are two ways to create custom bins:

Method 1: Column Settings (Recommended)

For numeric and date columns, you can configure binning directly in the column settings. This is the easiest way to customize how your data is grouped.

1. Click on the column header of a numeric or date column
2. Select "Column Settings" from the dropdown menu
3. Scroll to the "Binning" section

For Numeric Columns

You'll see several binning options:

• Auto: Uses optimal binning with Freedman-Diaconis rule
• Equal Frequency: Each bin contains similar numbers of data points
• Fixed Width: Bins have consistent width you define
• Custom: Define your own bin boundaries manually

The interface shows a live histogram preview so you can see how your data will be grouped before applying changes.

For Date Columns

You'll see these binning options:

• Auto: Automatically creates optimal time-based bins
• Calendar Periods: Groups by natural boundaries (year, quarter, month, week, day, hour)
• Fixed Intervals: Creates bins of fixed duration (e.g., every 7 days)
• Custom Breakpoints: Define your own date/time boundaries

Method 2: Custom Column/Variable

For more complex binning needs or when you want to combine multiple columns, use the Custom Column/Variable feature.

First, click on the "More" menu and select "Custom Column/Variable"

1

Open Custom Column/Variable from the More menu.

Give your new column a name, in this example we are creating an Age Category column. Now create your bins (categories) using data rules. In this example we've created 3 age category segments.

2

Create fixed bins (categories) such as Age Categories using data rules.

After creating the column, you will have a new column with your custom bins. You can now explore, pivot and filter by this column.

3

The new binned column is ready to pivot, filter, and analyze.

When to Use Each Method

Use Column Settings when:

• You want to modify how an existing numeric or date column is binned
• You need simple, straightforward binning configurations
• You want to see live previews of your binning changes

Use Custom Column/Variable when:

• You need to combine multiple columns for complex binning logic
• You want to create overlapping categories
• You need more control over category names and organization
• You want to create bins based on conditional logic across multiple fields