Convert to Categorical

Creates a categorical version of a numeric variable. Each unique value in the numeric variable is converted to a category, so it is advised only to do this for numeric variables with a limited set of values, such as year or age.

Access via Variables > Categorical Variables > Convert to categorical ....

How it works

1. Select a numeric variable from the dropdown (or drag one onto the dropdown)
2. Choose a name for the new variable — by default iNZight suggests <variable>.cat (e.g., Year → Year.cat)
3. Click Convert

The new categorical variable is added to your dataset alongside the original numeric variable. The original is not modified.

When to use this

Only convert numeric variables that have a small set of distinct values — for example coded survey responses, year, or age groups stored as integers. Converting a continuous variable like height would create an unmanageable number of categories.

Batch conversion (multiple variables)

If you need to convert several numeric variables at once, use Variables > Numeric Variables > Convert to categorical (multiple) ....

1. A list of all numeric variables in the dataset is displayed
2. Hold Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) to select multiple variables
3. Click Convert

Each selected variable gets a new categorical version named with the .cat suffix (e.g., age → age.cat, year → year.cat). Unlike the single-variable version, you cannot customise the names — they are generated automatically.