How to use the Mean, Median and Mode Calculator
Enter the numbers separated by commas and the result appears straight away. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing you type is uploaded.
How to find the median
Sort the data set from smallest to largest. With an odd number of values, the median is the middle one: in 3, 7, 9, 12 and 20 it is 9. With an even number, there are two numbers in the middle, and the median is the average of the two middle values: in 3, 7, 9 and 12 it is (7 + 9) ÷ 2 = 8.
Mode and range
To find the mode, count how many times each number appears; the most frequent value is the mode, and a set can have more than one. The range is the largest value minus the smallest. Together, the mean, median and mode are the three measures of central tendency, and the range adds a quick sense of spread.
Which average to use
The mean is the arithmetic average and uses every value, so it is affected by extremely large or small numbers. The median is not, which is why house prices and incomes are usually reported as medians. The mode is the only one that works for categories, such as the most common shoe size sold.
The formula
Mean = sum ÷ count; median = middle value of the sorted list
Examples
- A seven-number set
Mean: 16.57142857 Median: 15 Mode: 8 Range: 38 (min 4, max 42)
- Test scores
Mean: 81.83333333 Median: 85 Mode: 85 Range: 23 (min 68, max 91)
Limitations and assumptions
Computed in your browser with standard double-precision arithmetic unless the page says otherwise. Very large or very small values may be rounded.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mean, median and mode?
Mean is the sum divided by the count, median is the middle value when sorted, and mode is the most common value.
When is the median better than the mean?
When outliers skew the data, such as incomes or house prices.
Can there be more than one mode?
Yes. If several values tie for most frequent, all are modes.
How do I enter numbers?
Separate them with commas, spaces or new lines.