What is Continuous Data? Difference from Discrete Data

Continuous data is a seemingly simple concept, but it plays an important role in analyzing and understanding data. This article from  TipsMake  will help you understand what continuous data is and explore its key differences from discrete data.

What is persistent data?

Continuous Data is data that can be measured. It can be imagined that this data can have an infinite number of different values ​​because its value is not fixed. There are also smaller individual components that make up these figures.

Precision is everything with continuous data. These data sets often contain variables with decimal points, with the number on the far right.

Illustrative example of continuous data

Continuous data is data that can take on any value within a certain range and is usually measured on a scale. Here are some typical examples of continuous data:

- A person's height can be any value within a certain range, depending on the accuracy of the measuring tool. For example, a person can be 150.5cm, 165.7cm,.

- Temperature Temperature, when measured in degrees, can have an infinite range of values ​​within a given range. For example, the temperature can be 23.4°C or 15.6°C. It depends on the accuracy of the thermometer.

- An athlete can complete a race in 9.58 seconds, 9.581 seconds, or 9.5812 seconds, depending on the accuracy of the timing device.

- A fruit can weigh 150gr, 150.1gr or 150.12gr, depending on the accuracy of the scale.

The main characteristics of continuous data include the ability to be broken down into smaller parts and can take on any value within a certain range, which is clearly different from discrete data, where values ​​can only be specific integers.

How to display continuous data using graphs

Continuous data is often represented by line charts. Line charts typically display data over a period of time. Although they can also display data of any type of continuous data.

Below is an example of a line graph showing the different ages of students in a school and the number of students who own cell phones.

What is discrete data?

Discrete data is a count involving integers that can have only a limited number of values. This type of data cannot be divided into different parts. Discrete data consists of discrete variables that are finite, countable, non-negative integers. In many cases, discrete data can be prefixed with "quantity".

This data type is mainly used for simple statistical analysis because it is easy to summarize and calculate. In most operations, discrete data is displayed using bar charts, stem-and-leaf charts, and pie charts.

How is continuous data different from discrete data?

Both continuous and discrete data are important for statistical analysis. However, there are some key differences that need to be noted before drawing any conclusions or decisions. The key differences are:

- Discrete data is data that has clear intervals between values. Continuous data is data that is in a constant sequence.

- Discrete data can be counted while continuous data can be measured.

- To represent discrete data accurately, bar charts are used. Histograms or line charts are used to represent continuous data in graphical form. The graph of discrete function shows a discrete point which is still unconnected. Whereas in continuous function graph, the points are connected by an unbroken line.

- Discrete data contains distinct or separate values. Continuous data includes any value within a preferred range.

Conclude

Both discrete and continuous data are important when exploring and analyzing data. Understanding the difference between continuous and discrete data is not only theoretical knowledge but also the key to effective data analysis. Hopefully, the information in this article has helped you grasp the concept and application of these two types of data in your daily work.

Kareem Winters

Update 18 February 2025