Is interval data continuous?

Interval data is usually considered continuous data because it can take on a wide range of numerical values, including decimals. The values are measured on a scale where the distance between each point is meaningful and consistent.

For example, temperature measured in Celsius is interval data and can take values such as 20°C, 20.5°C, or 20.75°C. Each value represents a meaningful point on the scale.

However, not all interval data is continuous. Some interval variables are recorded as whole numbers only. For example, standardized test scores are measured on an interval scale but are often reported as discrete values because only certain scores are possible.

In short, interval data describes the measurement scale, while continuous data describes how values can occur. Many types of interval data are continuous, but the two terms are not interchangeable.