Quantitative Variables vs Qualitative Variables

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In this article I will be describing the difference between quantitative variables and qualitative variables. In statistics, the classification of variables depends on whether or not they can be written down as a number.

In general, observations and measurements can be regarded as variables, and these variables are known as data.

Quantitative Variables

Variables that are associated with numerical observations are called quantitative variables.

*Example: The observations of height are numerical as you can give a number to them. This means that height is a quantitative variable. Another example could be the weight of a smartphone.

The height of a building would have to be regarded as a quantitative variable.

Qualitative Variables

Variables that are associated with non-numerical observations are called qualitative variables.

*Example: The colour of a t-shirt is not numerical, therefore it's a qualitative variable.

The colour of a Ferrari would be regarded as a qualitative variable.

More about quantitative variables:

Quantitative variables can be measured on either continuous or discrete scales.

A variable that can take up any value within a given range is called a continuous variable. [Examples: Time, length and weight]

A variable that is restricted to taking up only specific values within a given range is called a discrete variable. [Examples: Number of £1 coins in a bag, number of boys in a family]

So, the next time you're making an observation, question whether that observation is quantitative or qualitative. And if it's quantitative - is the measurement you're making continuous or discrete?

In real life there are many examples of quantitative and qualitative variables. All it takes is a little practice and attention to start categorising your data correctly.