- Definition
Continuous data is information that can be measured on a scale, like how tall someone is or how much something weighs, rather than just being counted in whole numbers.
A person's height is continuous data because you can be 150 cm, 150.1 cm, or any value in between.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Continuous data is like pouring water into a glass — you can always add a tiny bit more between any two measurements.
Ask your child: When you grow taller, do you jump from one height to the next?
Common mix-up: Kids often confuse this with data you count, like the number of pets. Continuous data can take on any value within a range, including fractions and decimals.
Examples
- The time it takes to run a race, which could be 10.5 seconds or 10.51 seconds.
- The temperature outside, which can be 20 degrees, 20.5 degrees, or even 20.53 degrees.
continuous data is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
