# Optimal binning: mathematical programming formulation

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2001.08025 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2001.08025/

## Key facts

- Cited by 9 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 22 Jan 2020.

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## Abstract (arXiv)

The optimal binning is the optimal discretization of a variable into bins given a discrete or continuous numeric target. We present a rigorous and extensible mathematical programming formulation for solving the optimal binning problem for a binary, continuous and multi-class target type, incorporating constraints not previously addressed. For all three target types, we introduce a convex mixed-integer programming formulation. Several algorithmic enhancements, such as automatic determination of the most suitable monotonic trend via a Machine-Learning-based classifier and implementation aspects are thoughtfully discussed. The new mathematical programming formulations are carefully implemented in the open-source python library OptBinning.