Percentile vs. Centile — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
A percentile is a statistical measure that indicates the value below which a given percentage of data falls, while a centile is a term often used interchangeably with percentile, specifically referring to the division into 100 equal groups.
Difference Between Percentile and Centile
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A percentile is a measure that shows the relative position of a value in a data set, indicating the percentage of data that falls below it. A centile, on the other hand, is essentially the same concept, with "cent-" emphasizing the division into 100 equal groups.
Percentiles are often used in standardized testing, where a score in the 90th percentile means the score is higher than 90% of all other scores. Centiles are used similarly, especially in growth charts for children, with a 50th centile indicating median growth.
Percentiles are more common in general statistical usage across various disciplines. Centiles, whereas, are frequently associated with medical or demographic applications, such as infant weight and height growth charts.
In application, both terms help interpret relative standings, but percentiles are more broadly recognized and used. Centile is less commonly used outside specific contexts but provides the same division structure.
Both percentiles and centiles are useful for comparing individual data points to a larger population, providing a quick understanding of data distribution and outliers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Statistical measure indicating the value below which a given percentage of data falls
Synonymous with percentile, specifically meaning one of 100 equal groups
Usage Context
Standardized tests, financial data, research
Growth charts, medical, demographic studies
Popularity
More commonly used
Less commonly used
Structure
Division into 100 equal parts
Division into 100 equal parts
Application
Broad range of statistical fields
Often in medical or child growth contexts
Compare with Definitions
Percentile
One of the 99 points that divides a distribution into 100 groups.
The 50th percentile marks the median score of the group.
Centile
A point on a scale that separates data into 100th parts.
The nutritionist explained the child's diet using centile rankings.
Percentile
An indicator of statistical standing relative to a population.
The fitness level of the team members was in the 80th percentile.
Centile
A statistical measure dividing a distribution into 100 equal groups.
The doctor used a growth chart to identify the baby's weight centile.
Percentile
A statistical measure indicating the value below which a given percentage of observations falls.
Her SAT score was in the 95th percentile, meaning she scored higher than 95% of test-takers.
Centile
Often used interchangeably with percentile.
The research paper reported the data by height centile.
Percentile
A ranking measure to compare relative performance.
The company ranked in the top percentile of financial stability.
Centile
A measure used to compare children's growth with standardized averages.
The boy's height fell in the 90th centile.
Percentile
Useful for showing data distribution in large datasets.
The income of the population was below the 40th percentile.
Centile
An indicator for understanding data in medical contexts.
The centile chart helped determine the patient's health progress.
Percentile
In statistics, a percentile (or a centile) is a score below which a given percentage of scores in its frequency distribution falls (exclusive definition) or a score at or below which a given percentage falls (inclusive definition). For example, the 50th percentile (the median) is the score below which (exclusive) or at or below which (inclusive) 50% of the scores in the distribution may be found.
Centile
Clipping of percentile
Percentile
Each of the 100 equal groups into which a population can be divided according to the distribution of values of a particular variable.
Centile
(statistics) any of the 99 numbered points that divide an ordered set of scores into 100 parts each of which contains one-hundredth of the total
Percentile
Any of the groups that result when a frequency distribution is divided into 100 groups of equal size.
Percentile
Any of the values that separate each of these groups.
Percentile
(statistics) Any of the ninety-nine points that divide an ordered distribution into one hundred parts, each containing one per cent of the population.
Percentile
(statistics) Any one of the hundred groups so divided.
He is highly intelligent – he has an IQ in the top percentile.
Percentile
(statistics) any of the 99 numbered points that divide an ordered set of scores into 100 parts each of which contains one-hundredth of the total
Common Curiosities
Where is "centile" primarily used?
Centile is often used in medical contexts, particularly in growth charts.
Is the percentile system limited to 100 groups?
The percentile system divides data into 100 groups, but other similar systems exist, like quartiles.
What does the 50th percentile mean?
The 50th percentile is the median, meaning half the data lies below this point.
Why are centiles important in growth charts?
Centiles help compare a child's growth against standard population data to assess health.
Are percentiles helpful for identifying outliers?
Yes, they can highlight values significantly above or below the norm.
Are percentile and centile the same?
Yes, they refer to the same concept, but "percentile" is more commonly used.
Are percentiles only used for tests?
No, percentiles are used in many fields, including finance, health, and education.
Do percentiles represent exact values?
No, they represent ranks or positions relative to other data points.
Can percentiles change over time?
Yes, as new data is collected or standards are updated.
What are the limits of using percentiles or centiles?
They do not provide detailed information about absolute differences between data points.
How are percentiles calculated?
Percentiles are calculated by ranking all data points and finding the value below which a certain percentage falls.
What is an example of percentile use outside testing?
Financial institutions use percentiles to compare income or wealth distribution.
Do centiles have specific application guidelines?
Yes, particularly in medical or demographic research, with standardized charts and tables.
Can percentiles or centiles show absolute growth?
No, they compare relative positions within a population.
Is percentile ranking always the same across populations?
No, it depends on the specific data and distribution.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Paper vs. Oaktag
Next Comparison
Village vs. ValleyAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
