Continuous Variable
- Values can fall anywhere within a numeric range and are not limited to a small set of categories.
- Measured with units (for example, inches, centimeters, degrees Celsius/Fahrenheit/Kelvin) and can be recorded to fine precision (e.g., to the nearest inch or centimeter).
- Widely used in statistical analysis and regression to measure, compare, and predict numeric outcomes.
Definition
Section titled “Definition”A continuous variable is a type of variable that can take on an infinite number of possible values. These values can be any number within a certain range, and can be either discrete or continuous. Continuous variables are often used in mathematical and statistical analysis to measure and compare data.
Explanation
Section titled “Explanation”Continuous variables represent measurements that may assume any numeric value within a range. They are typically recorded with units (for example, height in inches, feet, or centimeters; temperature in degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin) and can be measured to a chosen level of precision (for example, to the nearest inch, centimeter, or degree). Because of this precision, continuous variables enable detailed analysis and more accurate comparisons across observations.
Continuous variables also serve as predictors or outcomes in regression analysis. In that context, they are used to model relationships between variables and to predict the value of one variable from one or more others.
Examples
Section titled “Examples”Height
Section titled “Height”Height can be measured in inches, feet, or centimeters, and can take on any value within a certain range, such as between 0 and 8 feet tall. Because height can be measured to the nearest inch or centimeter, it is considered a continuous variable.
Temperature
Section titled “Temperature”Temperature can be measured in degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin, and can take on any value within a certain range, such as between -40 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Because temperature can be measured to the nearest degree, it is considered a continuous variable.
Use cases
Section titled “Use cases”- Measuring and comparing data with precise numeric values (for example, comparisons of heights across a group).
- Regression analysis: continuous variables are used to predict the value of a dependent variable based on the value of one or more independent variables. For example, a regression could be used to predict a person’s height based on their age and gender.
Related terms
Section titled “Related terms”- Regression analysis
- Dependent variable
- Independent variable