Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Categorical Data and Numerical Data?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Categorical Data and Numerical Data?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between categorical data and numerical data lies in the nature of the information they represent. Here are the key differences between the two types of data:

  1. Categorical Data:
  • Also known as qualitative data, categorical data represents characteristics, categories, or groups.
  • It can be stored and identified based on names or labels.
  • Examples of categorical data include a person's gender, their occupation, or the brand of a product.
  1. Numerical Data:
  • Also known as quantitative data, numerical data represents numerical values that can be used for arithmetic processes.
  • It is in the form of numbers, not words or descriptions.
  • Examples of numerical data include test scores, age groups, or sales figures.

In summary, categorical data represents categories, groups, or descriptions, while numerical data represents numerical values that can be used for arithmetic operations. Researchers and analysts may collect and analyze both categorical and numerical data, depending on the research being conducted and the specific information they need to gather.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Categorical Data and Numerical Data?
  • Comparative Table: Categorical Data vs Numerical Data

    • Comparative Table: Categorical Data vs Numerical Data

    Here is a table comparing the differences between categorical and numerical data:

    Feature Categorical Data Numerical Data
    Definition Categorical data refers to a data type that can be stored and identified based on the names or labels assigned to each category. It is also known as qualitative data. Numerical data refers to the data that is in the form of numbers, and not in any language or descriptive form. It is also known as quantitative data.
    Types Nominal data and ordinal data. Discrete data and continuous data.
    Examplesomorphism-pentagon
    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.