How to use the Average Calculator
- Type or paste your numbers into the box. Separate them with commas, spaces or semicolons.
- Decimals and negative numbers are allowed. Do not include units or symbols.
- Read the average (mean) and the median instantly.
- Use the sum, count, smallest and largest values for checks or further calculations.
Formula used
Average = sum of the numbers ÷ how many numbers there are. The median is the middle value after sorting, or the mean of the two middle values when the count is even.
Worked example
Here is the Average Calculator worked through with the example values shown above, so you can check each step by hand.
| Inputs | |
|---|---|
| Numbers | 12, 18, 25, 30, 45 |
| Result | |
| Average (mean) | 26 |
| Median | 25 |
| Sum | 130 |
| Count | 5 |
| Smallest | 12 |
| Largest | 45 |
Mean, median and when they differ
The mean is the sum divided by the count. For 12, 18, 25, 30 and 45 the sum is 130 and the count is 5, so the mean is 26. The median is the middle value after sorting, which here is 25.
The two differ when the data has an extreme value. Add 400 to the list and the mean jumps to 88.33, but the median only moves to 27.5. That is why reports on salaries or house prices often quote the median: it is not pulled up by a few very large values.
Everyday examples
Marks: if you scored 72, 85, 90 and 68 in four tests, the average is 78.75. Spending: if your last five monthly electricity bills were 1,450, 1,620, 1,380, 1,900 and 2,100, the mean is 1,690 a month, a good base for a budget.
Averages of averages can mislead. If two classes have different numbers of students, the overall average is not the simple mean of the two class averages. Use the weighted approach: multiply each average by its count, add, and divide by the total count.
Mean, mode and range
The mode is the most frequent value, and the range is the largest value minus the smallest. This calculator shows the smallest and largest values, so you can find the range by subtracting them. For a set such as 3, 3, 4, 8 the mode is 3.
Choosing between mean, median and mode depends on the question. Use the mean for evenly spread data, the median when there are outliers, and the mode for the most common category or size.
How to enter data correctly
Paste numbers straight from a spreadsheet column or a message. Commas, spaces, new lines and semicolons all work as separators, but commas inside a number such as 1,450 would be read as two numbers, so write 1450 instead.
If the calculator shows an error, check for letters, rupee signs or percent signs, and remove them.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the average of numbers?
Add all the numbers and divide by how many there are.
What is the difference between average and median?
The average (mean) uses every value. The median is the middle value, and is less affected by extreme values.
Can I include negative numbers or decimals?
Yes, both are allowed.
How many numbers can I enter?
There is no fixed limit for normal use. Very long lists may be slow to type, so paste them.
How is the median found when there is an even count?
It is the mean of the two middle values after sorting.
Why did my list give an error?
Usually because of a letter or symbol in the list, or a number written with a thousands comma. Remove those and try again.
This calculator gives estimates for information only. Actual figures from a bank, employer, tax authority or doctor may differ. It is not financial, tax, legal or medical advice.