Summary statistics are numerical measures used to describe the key features of a dataset. These statistics provide a concise summary of the characteristics of the data, such as its central tendency, variability, and distribution. Common summary statistics include measures such as the mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, and variance. Summary statistics are used to summarize and simplify data, making it easier to understand and interpret. They play a crucial role in data analysis and are fundamental in various fields such as statistics, economics, and social sciences.