Types of Class Interval

In statistics, can be categorized into two various types based on how they are structured and what kind of data they are used to represent i.e.,

• Exclusive Class Interval
• Inclusive Class Interval

Let’s discuss these types in detail.

Exclusive Class Interval

In exclusive class intervals, the lower bound (minimum value) is included in the interval, while the upper bound (maximum value) is excluded. This means that data points equal to the upper bound are assigned to the previous interval. Exclusive intervals are commonly used when precision and differentiation between values are essential.

• In this type of class interval, the lower bound is included in the interval, while the upper bound is excluded.
• For example, consider the interval [10, 20). This interval includes all values from 10 up to, but not including, 20. So, it encompasses values like 10, 11, 12, …, 18, and 19.99, but not 20 itself.
• In Exclusive Class Interval the next class interval’s lower limit is equal to the upper limit of previous class interval.

Inclusive Class Interval

In inclusive class intervals, both the lower bound and the upper bound are included within the interval. This type of interval is used when you want to ensure that data points equal to the bounds are part of the interval. Inclusive intervals are often used when you want to emphasize that both endpoints are part of the same category.

• Both the lower and upper bounds are included in the interval.
• For example, consider the interval [10, 20]. This interval includes all values from 10 to 20, including 10, 11, 12, …, 19, and 20.
• In inclusive Interval, the upper limit of the class is different from the lower limit of the next class.

The choice between exclusive and inclusive intervals depends on the specific context of your analysis and the level of detail you want to convey. Both types have their uses in statistics, and your choice should align with your objectives for data grouping and presentation.

How to Convert Inclusive Class Interval to Exclusive Class Interval?

In class 9, we have to solve questions in Exclusive Class Interval, hence we need to convert the inclusive Class Interval into exclusive class interval.

To convert Inclusive Class Interval to Exclusive Class Interval we need to find the average of the gap between the upper and lower limit of two successive classes and then subtract the average from the lower limit of each class and add the average to the upper limit of each class. Let’s understand it with an example.

Consider an Inclusive Class Interval given below:

Now to convert this inclusive class interval into exclusive we will find the average of the gap between the upper and lower limit of two successive classes i.e. (10 – 9)/2 = 0.5

Now subtract this 0.5 from the lower limit of each class and add 0.5 to the upper limit of each class. Hence, the exclusive class interval obtained is mentioned below:

Class Interval in Statistics is an important element, particularly in organizing and summarizing data. It serves as a fundamental tool for grouping data points into meaningful categories, enabling a more manageable and insightful analysis. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the concept of class intervals in statistics, their significance, and how to effectively create and utilize them.

Our exploration begins with a clear definition of class intervals and their role in statistical analysis. We will discuss the importance of choosing appropriate class intervals to reveal patterns, trends, and distributions within datasets. Whether you’re a student embarking on a statistics course or a data analyst seeking to enhance your data interpretation skills, this article is your guide to mastering class intervals.