Median
Enter your values and calculate the median – the middle value in a sorted dataset.
Result
-.---
Batch Import - You can paste multiple values separated by spaces. They will be automatically distributed across the input fields.
When to use median - The median is particularly useful when your data contains outliers, as it is less affected by extreme values than the mean.
Median Formula
To calculate the median manually:
For {1, 3, 5, 7, 9} the median = 5. For {1, 3, 5, 7} the median = (3+5)/2 = 4.
The median is the middle value in a sorted dataset.
What is the Median?
The median is a measure of central tendency that represents the middle value in a sorted dataset.
Unlike the arithmetic mean (average), the median is not affected by extreme values or outliers. This makes it a more robust measure when data contains unusually high or low values.
The median is widely used in statistics, economics, and data analysis.
When to use the Median
The median is the preferred measure in many scenarios:
- Income statistics: Median household income is more representative than average income, as it is not skewed by extreme values.
- Real estate prices: Median house prices are often reported instead of averages because luxury properties can skew the average.
- Grade analysis: When analyzing test results with possible outliers, the median gives a better sense of how most students performed.
Frequently asked questions about the Median
- What is the difference between median and average?
- The median is the middle value in a sorted dataset, while the average is the sum of all values divided by their count. The median is not affected by extreme values.
- How do I calculate the median in Excel?
- In Excel, use the function =MEDIAN(range). Example: =MEDIAN(A1:A10) returns the median of values in cells A1 to A10.
- When is the median better than the average?
- The median is better suited for data with extreme values (outliers), for example, salaries or real estate prices.
- What happens with an even number of values?
- With an even number, the median is the average of the two middle values. Example: For [1, 2, 3, 4] the median is (2 + 3) / 2 = 2.5.
More calculators
Discover our other calculators for different types of calculations.