What is a Variable?

A Variable is a way of categorising data. Variables describe the different dimensions of a dataset and help give meaning and context to the values being collected.

To describe data well, Variables should be chosen carefully and purposefully. Clear Variables make data easier to enter, understand, and combine into reliable insight later on.

An example

A commonly used Variable on the platform is State or Territory.

This is a location-based Variable that associates data with a specific place. Its Categories include:

New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
…and so on

When contributors enter data, they are recording values against these Categories, ensuring the data can be grouped, compared, and aggregated by location.

Variables in Explore Data

Variables are also used in the Topics area of the Explore Data tool.

When a Variable is selected in Explore (for example, the AEDC Domain topic):

Its Categories become available for selection
Users can filter, group, or compare data using those Categories

This makes Variables a key building block for turning collected data into clear, usable insight.

Why this matters

Well-defined Variables help ensure data is consistent across contributors and time periods. This consistency supports trustworthy aggregation, clearer analysis, and more confident reporting.