Types of Data

Every variable in a dataset falls into one of four types, and knowing which one shapes what you can do with it. Nominal variables are categories with no natural order, like a dog's breed. Ordinal variables are categories with a natural order, like a satisfaction rating. Discrete numeric variables are counts — whole numbers you arrive at by counting. Continuous numeric variables are measurements that can take any value, down to as many decimal places as you can measure.

Click or tap a variable below to select it, then click the bucket you think it belongs in — or drag it there directly with a mouse. You'll get instant feedback either way, and can try again if you're wrong.

What this teaches: Sort example variables into nominal, ordinal, discrete and continuous types and get instant feedback. It teaches the four types of data and how a variable's type determines which summaries and charts are appropriate.