Glossary term
Quantitative Data: Meaning and Definition
Reviewed and approved by Dr. Anamika ShrivastavaPublished Last updated
Quantitative data are information expressed in numbers that can be counted or measured, such as income, height, price or number of students. They can be added and averaged, and analysed with tools such as the mean, standard deviation and correlation. They may be discrete or continuous.
In more detail
Quantitative data give precise comparisons and support calculation. A statement that sales rose from 40 to 50 units is more exact than saying sales improved. Care is needed with labels that look like numbers, such as roll numbers or postal codes, which only identify items and should not be averaged.
Example
The daily sales of a shop (42, 55, 48 units) and the heights of students in centimetres are quantitative data.
Key points
- Counted or measured.
- Allow averages and graphs.
- Contrast with qualitative data.
Common mistake
Treating numerical labels, such as roll numbers, as quantities.
Related terms
Where it is explained
This term is explained in Class 11 Statistics Chapter 1: Introduction.