How to calculate the average (mean)
The most common average is the mean: add up all the numbers and divide by how many there are. This calculator also gives the median, the middle value once the numbers are sorted, which is often more useful when a few very large or small values would skew the mean.
The formulas
Mean = sum of all values / how many values. Median = the middle value once the list is sorted, or the average of the two middle values if there is an even count.
Worked example
For 2, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 7, 9 the sum is 40 over 8 values, so the mean is 5. Sorted, the two middle values are 4 and 5, so the median is 4.5.
Mean vs median
Use the mean for evenly spread data. Use the median when there are outliers, for example incomes or house prices, where one very large value would pull the mean up and misrepresent the typical figure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mean and median?
The mean is the sum divided by the count. The median is the middle value. The median is more reliable when a few extreme values would distort the mean.
Can I paste a list of numbers?
Yes. Enter your values separated by commas or spaces and the calculator returns the mean, median and sum.
What separators can I use?
Commas, spaces or new lines all work. Enter the numbers however is easiest.
Can I use decimals and negatives?
Yes. Any real numbers, including decimals and negatives, are handled.