A control chart that measures variables typically measures what type of characteristic?

Control charts that measure variables are specifically designed to track and display continuous data over time. This type of data can include measurements such as weight, temperature, length, and any other characteristics that can be quantified and expressed as a number. The primary goal of using a control chart for variables is to monitor process performance and variability, allowing organizations to identify trends and take corrective actions when necessary.

When focusing on the key aspect of continuous measured values, these control charts help practitioners understand how a process behaves under normal operating conditions and whether it remains stable. By measuring this continuous data, organizations can establish control limits and detect variations that may indicate problems in the process.

This characteristic distinguishes it from countable discrete values, which would be tracked by a different type of chart, known as attribute control charts. Similarly, soft and pliable characteristics do not fall under the definition of measurable variables, and the notion of controlled characteristics is more about the systematic management of processes rather than the type of data depicted in the chart itself.