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Median Calculator
Median calculator. Paste a list of numbers to instantly find the median (middle value). Includes the median formula, steps, and a worked example. Free and easy to use for statistics and data analysis.
Tip: You can paste values from a spreadsheet column.
Median
Count
Sorted middle
How to Calculate Median
If you’re searching for “how to calculate median”, the median is the middle value in a sorted list of numbers.
Median Formula
- If there are an odd number of values, the median is the single middle value after sorting.
- If there are an even number of values, the median is the average of the two middle values after sorting.
Example
For 3, 5, 7, 9 the median is (5 + 7) ÷ 2 = 6.
Median vs Average
The median is often better than the mean (average) when your data has outliers (very large or very small values).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median in math?
The median is the middle value in a sorted list of numbers. It splits the data into two equal halves - half the values are below the median and half are above. Unlike the mean (average), the median isn't affected by extreme values.
How do I find the median of a data set?
Step 1: Arrange all numbers in order from smallest to largest. Step 2: If there's an odd number of values, the middle one is the median. Step 3: If there's an even number, the median is the average of the two middle values.
What is the difference between mean and median?
Mean (average) adds all values and divides by count. Median finds the middle value when sorted. Use median when you have outliers (extreme values) that would skew the average. Example: Incomes are often reported as median, not mean.
Can the calculator handle large data sets?
Yes! Paste any list of numbers separated by commas, spaces, or line breaks. The calculator sorts them automatically and finds the median. There's no practical limit for reasonable data sets.
What if I have two middle numbers?
With an even count of numbers, the median is the average of the two middle values. For example, in [1, 3, 5, 7], the two middle numbers are 3 and 5, so the median is (3+5)÷2 = 4.
When should I use median instead of average?
Use median when your data has extreme values (outliers) that would distort the average. Common examples: house prices, salaries, test scores with one very high or low value. The median gives a better representation of the 'typical' value.