Discrete Data vs. Continuous Data: What Is the Difference Between Discrete and Continuous Data?

Discrete data and continuous data are two types of data used in statistics and research. Learn about their key differences, the pros and cons of each, and when you should use each type of data.
Discrete Data vs. Continuous Data: 7 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Examples

Discrete vs. Continuous Data: In statistics, data is all about facts and figures, which are collected together for the purpose of analysis. This data is divided into two main categories, quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data is further classified into discrete and continuous data. These types of data are valuable to data collectors. The main difference between discrete and continuous data is that discrete contains finite values, which contain nothing in between, while continuous can be measured and have decimals and fractions.

Let’s take a closer look at Continuous vs. Discrete Data

DivisionDiscrete cannot be divided, while continuous data is sub-divisible
CountableDiscrete data is countable, while continuous is not
GranularDiscrete data is less granular than continuous data
IncludesDiscrete data includes ordinal and integer values, while continuous includes quantitative data.

What Is Discrete Data?

What Is Discrete Data? If we look at the discrete meaning, it is the type of data which refers to countable, individualized items. But these items are un-divisible and only exist in units. Discrete variables have a limited number of values. In other words, they are finite. The main characteristic of discrete data is that it is "measurable" or countable". Discrete data can easily be visualized with the help of histograms, bar graphs and other methods. Discrete data contains a wide range of other data types as well. For example, it handles qualitative data and ordinal data. Moreover, discrete data, for example, the letter grading system, does not have to be in number all the time. Discrete data also have limited granularity, and the users can only divide it into the smallest units.

If we look at the discrete meaning, it is the type of data which refers to countable, individualized items. But these items are un-divisible and only exist in units. Discrete variables have a limited number of values. In other words, they are finite. The main characteristic of discrete data is that it is “measurable” or countable”. Discrete data can easily be visualized with the help of histograms, bar graphs and other methods. Discrete data contains a wide range of other data types as well. For example, it handles qualitative data and ordinal data. Moreover, discrete data, for example, the letter grading system, does not have to be in number all the time. Discrete data also have limited granularity, and the users can only divide it into the smallest units.

👉  Mcafee Livesafe vs. Total Protection: What is the difference between McAfee livesafe and Total protection?

What Is Continuous Data?

What Is Continuous Data? If we look at the continuous meaning, it refers to the type of data which is measurable. Continuous variables can also be divisible; in other words, these variables can go forever. Continuous data can easily be visualized in the form of trend lines, percentages, averages and line graphs. Continuous data is much more granular and specific as compared to discrete data. It is also considered to be more efficient and accurate as compared to discrete. The detailed physical measurement of continuous data like weight can be obtained from measurement tools. Analytics tools can also be helpful in providing more detail. Continuous data can be used in many different ways. For example, industrial and commercial use cases depend on accuracy to maximize efficiency.

If we look at the continuous meaning, it refers to the type of data which is measurable. Continuous variables can also be divisible; in other words, these variables can go forever. Continuous data can easily be visualized in the form of trend lines, percentages, averages and line graphs. Continuous data is much more granular and specific as compared to discrete data. It is also considered to be more efficient and accurate as compared to discrete. The detailed physical measurement of continuous data like weight can be obtained from measurement tools. Analytics tools can also be helpful in providing more detail. Continuous data can be used in many different ways. For example, industrial and commercial use cases depend on accuracy to maximize efficiency.

👉  Potentiometer vs. Rheostat: What’s The Difference Between Potentiometer And Rheostat?

7 Key Differences Between Discrete and Continuous Data

ComponentsDiscreteContinuous
MeaningIt is the type of data which refers to countable, individualized items. But these items are un-divisible and only exist in units. Discrete variables have a limited number of values.It refers to the measurable type of data. Continuous variables can also be divisible; in other words, these variables can go forever. 
Graphical RepresentationThe graphical representation of the discrete data is done through the bar graph.The graphical representation of the discrete data is done through the histogram.
ValuesIt can only take separate or distinct valuesIt can take any value in some interval
NatureThe nature of discrete data is countableThe nature of continuous data is measurable
TabulationThe tabulation of discrete data is known as Ungrouped frequency distribution.The tabulation of continuous data is known as Grouped frequency distribution.
Function GraphThe function graph of discrete data shows isolated pointsThe function graph of continuous data shows a connected device
ExamplesNumber of students in the class, or number of the planets revolving around the sunHeight or weight of the students in a specific class or the number of stars in the space

Discrete vs. Continuous Similarities

  • Whether it is discrete or continuous data, both are equally valuable to the data collectors.
  • Both of these data types are used in various measurements in our everyday routine.
  • These two data sets can be combined together to form well-rounded research.
👉  Astronomy vs. Astrology: What Is The Difference Between Astronomy And Astrology?

Discrete vs. Continuous Examples

Discrete Examples

  • Number of students in a class
  • A store’s inventory of computers
  • Number of employees at a business

Continuous Examples

  • Weight of an item
  • Height of a person
  • Product dimension
  • Time spent on a website or project

Discrete vs. Continuous Pros and Cons

Discrete Data Pros and Cons

Discrete Data Pros and Cons

Pros of Discrete Data

  • Discrete data is one of the most valuable resources for business because it refers to numerical information.
  • Discrete data can provide a lot of information from a small amount of data.

Cons of Discrete Data

  • Discrete data is not as detailed as continuous data, so it cannot provide much insight.
  • Discrete data is sometimes harder to analyze because it cannot be divided into smaller pieces. It is not even precise as continuous data.

Continuous Data Pros and Cons

Continuous Data Pros and Cons

Pros of Continuous Data

  • Continuous data is a preferred structure in most modern business cases. Due to its high efficiency and optimization, it is a must for a business.
  • With the help of continuous data, you can have the relative utility of both in a professional setting.

Cons of Continuous Data

  • Collecting continuous data is a very expensive process as it takes a lot of time.
  • Some of the measurement tools can be restrictive; for example, some scales show a weight of 60 pounds even when it is 60.243 pounds.

Comparison Chart

Discrete data and continuous data are two types of data used in statistics and research. Learn about their key differences, the pros and cons of each, and when you should use each type of data.

Comparison Video

Discrete v/s Continuous Data – What? How? || Discrete Data || Continuous Data

Conclusion

There are two main types of data which you have often heard of, qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative data cannot be measured in numbers, while quantitative data can be measured in values and numerals. This quantitative data is sub-classified into further types, discrete and continuous. If we talk about discrete vs. continuous differences, both have different natures and representations. Discrete data is a countable type of data, while a continuous type of data is measurable. Both of these data types are used in various measurements in our everyday routine and are equally valuable to data collectors. But in Discrete Versus continuous accuracy, the continuous data are more accurate and efficient. Discrete data, on the other hand, do not have as much detail as continuous data, so it cannot provide much insight.

Alex Stantor
Alex Stantor

Alex Stantor is a Sorbonne University (Paris, France) graduate in Philosophy and Data Analysis. Currently, he is an Author and Researcher at Difference 101, he writes articles/blog posts on topics such as "thinking differently" and "the importance of difference". Alex is a passionate advocate of diversity in the workplace and in companies, and diversity and inclusion in corporate communications. He currently lives in Brooklyn.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

      Leave a reply

      Difference 101
      Logo