Quantitative Data

Numerical (Quantitative) Data can be categorized into two types: discrete and continuous

When data collects information to collect answers from questions with the likes of:

• How many?

• How much?

• How often?

We often use quantitative data to answer such questions.

Discrete Numerical Data

Discrete means "countable". Each data point cannot be made any more precise with decimals or fractions.

Discrete numerical data will use integer values.

Examples of discrete numerical data

• Number of students in a class (e.g., 23 students)

• Number of cars in a parking lot

• Number of goals scored in a match

• Shoe size (often treated as discrete though it has decimal-like steps)

Continuous Numerical Data

Continuous numerical data represents measurable quantities that can take any value within a range, including fractions and decimals.

Continuous numerical data is used often for measurement where precision of decimal or fractions are required.

Examples of continuous numerical data

• Height of a person (e.g., 170.5 cm)

• Weight of a package (e.g., 12.75 kg)

• Temperature (e.g., 36.6°C)

• Time taken to complete a race (e.g., 9.58 seconds)