---
tag: S10J3YG7QZ
kind: concept
name: Eigenvalues/characteristic roots
sources:
  - wikipedia: en:253492@r1371953697
    locator: Factor analysis, section Practical implementation > Terminology
    note: adopted
    mention: wikipedia://en/253492#TW7F
    sections: [Summary]
inventory: [VHQWBFVTGP]
---

## Summary

Eigenvalues measure the amount of variation in the total sample accounted for by each factor. The ratio of eigenvalues is the ratio of explanatory importance of the factors with respect to the variables. If a factor has a low eigenvalue, then it is contributing little to the explanation of variances in the variables and may be ignored as less important than the factors with higher eigenvalues.