# Types of data

Data is either categorical (labels, like eye colour) or numerical (amounts, like height). Numerical data is discrete if you count it (goals scored) and continuous if you measure it (time in seconds).

Statistics (university) · Part 01: Describing data · Card 1 of 9 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

Categorical data is the label on a jar. Numerical data is how much is inside.

## Example

**Sorting variables**

Shoe size 9: discrete
Height 172.4 cm: continuous
Bus route 'X5': categorical
Star rating 1 to 5: ordinal (ordered labels)

## In practice

The type of data decides which graph and which test you may use. You cannot average eye colours.

## Questions people ask

### What is the difference between discrete and continuous data?

Discrete data takes separate values you can count, such as the number of siblings. Continuous data can take any value in a range, such as weight or time, limited only by how precisely you measure. A useful test: if values between two neighbours make sense, the data is continuous.

### Is a rating from 1 to 5 stars numerical or categorical?

It is usually called ordinal: categorical data with a natural order. The gap between 4 and 5 stars may not equal the gap between 1 and 2, so averaging is debatable. Many analysts still average ratings, but they should say that they are treating the scale as numerical.

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