What is an example of ratio data?

Height is considered an example of ratio data because it possesses all the characteristics of a ratio measurement. Ratio data includes a true zero point, which allows for the comparison of different values through multiplication and division. In the case of height, a measurement of zero indicates the absence of height, making it possible to say that one individual is twice as tall as another, for instance.

This distinguishing feature allows for more comprehensive mathematical operations, such as calculating averages and deriving meaningful ratios. Unlike temperature, which can be measured in different scales with arbitrary zero points (like Celsius or Fahrenheit), height measures a physical characteristic based on a clearly defined scale. Color classifications and gender, on the other hand, represent categorical data, which can’t be quantified in a way that allows for these kinds of mathematical operations inherent to ratio data.