Quantile vs. Quartile: Difference and Comparison

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on October 7, 2023

Quantiles are points dividing a probability distribution into contiguous intervals with equal probabilities; quartiles are specific quantiles dividing data into four equal parts.

Quantile vs. Quartile

Difference Between Quantile and Quartile

Quantiles and quartiles are statistical terms used to describe points in a data set or a probability distribution. Quantiles are points taken at regular intervals from the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of a random variable, dividing the range of a probability distribution into intervals with equal probabilities. In contrast, quartiles are a special case of quantiles that divide a data set or distribution into four equal parts, representing the variability of the data within specified ranges.

Sep 22, 2023

The concept of quantiles encompasses a broad range of points in a data distribution, allowing for a versatile understanding of data variability and distribution characteristics. It is an encompassing term, covering percentiles, deciles, quartiles, and other divisions, permitting detailed insights into the distribution of data sets. On the other hand, quartiles specifically cater to a division into quarters, enabling insights into the dispersion and central tendency of data but with less granularity compared to other quantiles.

Sep 22, 2023

Understanding quantiles allows for a comprehensive overview of the distribution of data points within a data set, helping to identify patterns, anomalies, and tendencies within the data, offering a versatile approach to data analysis. Quartiles, being a subset of quantiles, facilitate a more focused exploration into the spread and center of the data set, particularly useful for a quick assessment of data skewness and for identifying outliers effectively.

Sep 22, 2023

The application of quantiles is extensive, allowing analysts to dissect and understand data distributions with varying degrees of detail and precision, providing flexibility in choosing the level of granularity for the analysis. Quartiles, due to their specificity, offer a standardized way to assess and communicate the spread and center of a data set, making them a convenient tool for a preliminary examination of data distribution properties.

Sep 22, 2023

Quantiles and quartiles both serve as invaluable tools in statistical analysis, enabling the effective study and understanding of data distributions. While quantiles offer a broad and versatile range of points for detailed analysis, quartiles provide a focused and standardized approach to assess the central tendency and dispersion of data.

Sep 22, 2023

Quantile vs. Quartile Comparison Chart

Definition

Points dividing a distribution into equal probabilities

Quantiles dividing data into four equal parts

Sep 22, 2023

Specificity

General term, includes quartiles, percentiles, etc.

Specific type of quantile, precisely 1/4th of data

Sep 22, 2023

Granularity

Offers varying levels of detail and precision

Provides a standardized level of detail

Sep 22, 2023

Application

Versatile in statistical and probabilistic analysis

Commonly used for preliminary examination of data

Sep 22, 2023

Interpretation

Comprehensive overview of data distribution

Focused insight into spread and center of data

Sep 22, 2023

Quantile vs. Quartile Definitions

◉Quantile

An encompassing term for any point or set of points dividing a probability distribution.

Identifying the appropriate quantile helped in understanding the risk of investment portfolios.

Sep 22, 2023

◉Quartile

A type of quantile that divides a data set into four equal parts.

The first quartile of the data set was critical to understanding the lower range of our data.

Sep 22, 2023

◉Quantile

A data point or set of points dividing a set of data into intervals of equal probability.

In our analysis, we considered the 90th quantile to examine the higher range values.

Sep 22, 2023

◉Quartile

A statistical term describing a three-point estimate dividing a data set into four equal parts.

The median is also known as the second quartile, indicating the middle value of a data set.

Sep 22, 2023

◉Quantile

A positional marker that indicates the place where divisions should be made in ordered data.

The income data was analyzed using various quantiles to ascertain wealth distribution.

Sep 22, 2023

◉Quartile

It represents one of the three values that divide a sorted data set into four equal parts.

The third quartile provided insights into the upper range of our examination scores.

Sep 22, 2023

◉Quantile

A value from a frequency distribution, below which a given percentage of values fall.

By examining the lower quantile, we were able to identify the minimum sales figures.

Sep 22, 2023

◉Quartile

Any of the groups that result when a frequency distribution is divided into four groups of equal size.

May 03, 2023

◉Quantile

A statistical measure used to represent ordered data partitioned into equal proportions.

We used quantiles to better understand the distribution and spread of the test scores.

Sep 22, 2023

◉Quartile

Any of the values that separate each of these groups.

May 03, 2023

◉Quantile

(statistics) One of the class of values of a variate which divides the members of a batch or sample into equal-sized subgroups of adjacent values or a probability distribution into distributions of equal probability.

May 03, 2023

◉Quartile

(statistics) Any of the three points that divide an ordered distribution into four parts, each containing a quarter of the population.

May 03, 2023

◉Quartile

(statistics) Any one of the four groups so divided.

This school is ranked in the first quartile.

May 03, 2023

◉Quartile

Same as Quadrate.

May 03, 2023

◉Quartile

(statistics) any of three points that divide an ordered distribution into four parts each containing one quarter of the scores

May 03, 2023

◉Quartile

A positional marker in ordered data, specifically dividing data into quarters.

By analyzing the interquartile range, we were able to detect any outliers in the data set.

Sep 22, 2023

◉Quartile

A standardized way to assess the spread and center of a data set.

Knowing the first and third quartile enabled a focused exploration into the variability of data.

Sep 22, 2023

Quantile vs. Quartile Frequently Asked Questions

Can quantiles give detailed insights into data variability?

Yes quantiles can offer detailed insights as they allow for varying levels of data division.

Sep 22, 2023

Do quantiles help in identifying patterns and anomalies in data?

Yes quantiles allow for a comprehensive understanding of data distributions which aids in identifying patterns and anomalies.

Sep 22, 2023

Is the concept of quantile broader than quartile?

Yes the concept of quantile is broader including quartiles percentiles and other points dividing a distribution.

Sep 22, 2023

Can quartile be used interchangeably with quantile?

No quartile is a specific type of quantile and represents one-fourth of ordered data.

Sep 22, 2023

Is a quartile always a representation of 25% of the data?

Yes each quartile represents approximately 25% of the ordered data set.

Sep 22, 2023

Can quantiles represent any point in a data distribution?

Yes quantiles can represent any point or set of points dividing a distribution into intervals of equal probability.

Sep 22, 2023

Can quantiles be used for probability distributions?

Yes quantiles are extensively used to divide the range of probability distributions into intervals with equal probabilities.

Sep 22, 2023

Are quartiles suitable for a detailed analysis of data distribution?

Quartiles are more suited for a standardized preliminary examination due to their specific nature of dividing data into four parts.

Sep 22, 2023

Does understanding quartiles aid in a quick assessment of data skewness?

Yes quartiles are effective for a quick assessment of data skewness and identifying outliers.

Sep 22, 2023

Is the use of quartiles limited compared to quantiles?

Quartiles have specific use in understanding the spread and center of data while quantiles offer more versatile applications.

Sep 22, 2023

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At Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.

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As a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.