Relative frequency represents the proportion of times a specific value occurs within a dataset. Its calculation in a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel involves determining the number of times a particular value appears and then dividing that count by the total number of values in the dataset. The result, often expressed as a decimal or percentage, indicates the likelihood of that value occurring within the dataset.
Understanding the relative frequency distribution provides valuable insights into the patterns and characteristics of data. This measure aids in identifying prevalent trends, comparing datasets, and making informed decisions based on observed data distributions. Historically, this type of statistical analysis has been a cornerstone of data interpretation across various fields, including scientific research, business analytics, and quality control.