# Treating an explanatory variable as categorical data

If an explanatory variable takes only a few discrete values, it may be appropriate to treat it as categorical (unordered) data. A separate coefficient will be estimated for each category (except for the omitted category).

To treat an explanatory variable as categorical data:

1. In the Model view, select the explanatory variable you wish to treat as categories
2. Choose Model > Explanatory Variable > Treat as > Categories

Treating an explanatory variable as categorical data in the Model view does not affect whether the underlying column is treated as categorical data in the Summary view.

See also:

- Specifying the omitted category of a categorical explanatory variable
- Treating an outcome variable as categorical data
- About models

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