Categorical data record labels or groups, such as eye color, transportation type, or response category, whereas numerical data record quantities that represent counts or measurements and support meaningful comparisons and arithmetic. The distinction depends on what the values mean, not whether they are written with digits: an identification number can be categorical, while numerical data may be discrete or continuous. This classification guides appropriate graphs and statistical summaries.
Categorical data describe groups or labels. Numerical data describe quantities that can be counted or measured, so arithmetic and meaningful comparisons can be made.
To classify a variable, ask:
A school survey records the following information about each student:
| Variable | Example value |
|---|---|
| Student ID | 1047 |
| Favorite sport | Soccer |
| Number of siblings | 2 |
| Time spent exercising each week | hours |
Classify each variable.
Step 1: Student ID
The value identifies a student. It is not an amount; adding two student IDs would not give useful information.
Student ID is categorical data.
Step 2: Favorite sport
“Soccer” is a group or label. It does not represent a quantity.
Favorite sport is categorical data.
Step 3: Number of siblings
The value tells how many siblings a student has. It is a count, so comparisons and arithmetic make sense.
Number of siblings is numerical data.
Step 4: Time spent exercising
The value measures an amount of time. It can be compared and used in calculations.
Time spent exercising is numerical data.
Remember: classify data by what the values mean, not by whether they use words or digits. A number used as an identification label is categorical, while a count or measurement is numerical.
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