Continuous Variable Definition

A continuous variable is defined as a variable which can take an uncountable set of values or infinite
set of values. For instance, if a variable over a non-empty range of the real numbers is continuous,
then it can take on any value in that range. Thus, the range of real numbers between x and y with x,
y ∈ R and x ≠ y; is said to be uncountable and infinite.
In continuous optimization problems, different techniques of calculus are often used in which the
variables are continuous. Also, the probability distributions of continuous variables can be stated in
expressions of probability density functions in statistical theory.

Difference between Discrete and Continuous Variable

Below are the main differences between discrete and continuous variables.

Discrete Variable Continuous Variable

It is a variable whose value is obtained by counting. It is a variable whose value is obtained by measuring.

Examples: Examples:
Number of planets around the Sun Number of stars in the space
Number of students in a class Height or weight of the students in a particular class

Range of specified numbers is complete. Range of specified numbers is incomplete, i.e. infinite.

It assumes a distinct or a separate value. It assumes any value between two values.

Continuous Variable Example

Continuous variables would take forever to count. In fact, we would get to forever and never finish
counting them. For example, take an age. We can’t count “age”. Because it would literally take
forever. For example, it could be 37 years, 9 months, 6 days, 5 hours, 4 seconds, 5 milliseconds, 6
nanoseconds, 77 picoseconds…and so on.

Discrete vs Continuous variables: Definitions.

What is a Discrete Variable?
Discrete variables are countable in a finite amount of time. For example, you can count the change in your
pocket. You can count the money in your bank account. You could also count the amount of money
in everyone’s bank accounts. It might take you a long time to count that last item, but the point is—it’s still
countable.
Discrete variables on a scatter plot.

What is a Continuous Variable?

Continuous Variables would (literally) take forever to count. In fact, you would get to “forever” and never
finish counting them. For example, take age. You can’t count “age”. Why not? Because it would literally
take forever. For example, you could be:
25 years, 10 months, 2 days, 5 hours, 4 seconds, 4 milliseconds, 8 nanoseconds, 99 picosends…and so
on.

Time is a continuous variable.

You could turn age into a discrete variable and then you could count it. For example:
 A person’s age in years.
 A baby’s age in months.