Decile

In statistics, a decile is a method of dividing a data set into ten equal groups. It provides a way of organizing data so it can be analyzed more granularly.

We'll explain it by taking a detour through a more common example of the same type of calculation. A percentile divides a group into 100. So if you take the SAT, you might discover you scored in the 95th percentile. Solid score. Major school bound.

A decile makes a less fine distinction. In the SAT case, you'd find yourself in the 10th decile, or top tier.

The decile became a point of contention in company management. The once-popular former GE CEO Jack Welsh advocated firing the bottom 10% of employees each year.

Another way of saying this: He wanted to eliminate the bottom decile.