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Types of Index Numbers 🗂️

Index numbers can be classified based on what they measure. The three main types are:


Quick Overview ⚡

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1. Price Index Numbers (P01) 🏷️

These measure the changes in the price level of a commodity or a group of commodities between two time periods.

  • Most Common: This is what we usually mean when we say "Index Number".
  • Examples:
    • Wholesale Price Index (WPI): Changes in wholesale prices.
    • Consumer Price Index (CPI): Changes in retail prices paid by consumers.
P01 = Price Index for current year (1) with respect to base year (0)

2. Quantity Index Numbers (Q01) 📦

These measure changes in the physical volume of goods produced, consumed, or sold. It ignores prices.

  • Focus: Production or Consumption levels.
  • Example: Index of Industrial Production (IIP) shows if factory output increased or decreased.

3. Value Index Numbers (V01) 💰

These measure changes in the total value of a variable. Value is the product of Price and Quantity (V = P * Q).

  • Focus: Total expenditure or total sales.
  • Formula: It compares Total Value of Current Year vs Total Value of Base Year.

Comparison Table 📊

TypeSymbolMeasures Change in...Formula (Basic)
Price IndexP_01Prices(∑ p1 / ∑ p0) * 100
Quantity IndexQ_01Quantity / Volume(∑ q1 / ∑ q0) * 100
Value IndexV_01Total Value (p*q)(∑ V1 / ∑ V0) * 100

Summary

  • Price Index is for Inflation/Cost.
  • Quantity Index is for Output/Growth.
  • Value Index matches total turnover/expense.

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