What is a Statistic, Even?

A simple definition that will make you look — and feel — smart.

Stats.

*sharp deep breath*

If you’re like most people, when you think of statistics you think of a grumpy grey-haired professor, an endless list of numbers, and the feeling of dread brought on by not actually knowing what the hell all those math formulas even mean.

Have no fear.

While other people might explain to you what the technical definition of what a statistic is, I’m here to explain to you a useful definition that will help you understand what statistics help us do.

So — without further confusion:

A statistic is a numerical tool used to explain a phenomenon and make that phenomenon feel concrete.

That’s it.

A statistic is a numerical tool used to explain a phenomenon and make that phenomenon feel concrete.

Let’s break that definition down into its three parts.

A statistic is a tool

As humans, our primary mode of communication is through language.