Interval Data

Definition

Interval Data in plain English

Interval data is a type of measurement where the GAPS between numbers mean something, but there's no true 'nothing' point, so you can't say one value is 'twice' another. Temperature in Fahrenheit is the classic example: the jump from 20° to 30° is the same size as 60° to 70°, but 0°F doesn't mean 'no temperature,' so 80° is NOT twice as hot as 40°. The takeaway: you can add and subtract these numbers safely, but multiplying or making ratios out of them gives nonsense.

Related GMAT terms

• AD/BCE Grid
• Axis & Legend Pre-Read
• Continuous Data
• Data Sufficiency
• Nominal Data
• Ordinal Data
• Ratio Data
• Data Sufficiency Range Test
• Unit Analysis
• Break-Even