Mean shares the total evenly
Add the observations and divide by how many observations there are. Include repeated values because each is a separate observation. The mean uses every value and is therefore sensitive to unusually large or small ones.
An empty list has no mean. Missing measurements are not automatically zero; treating them that way changes both the total and the meaning of the data.
Median finds the middle position
Sort the numbers in ascending order. With an odd count, take the central value. With an even count, average the two central values. The original order is irrelevant once the list is sorted.
A median is less sensitive to the size of an extreme observation. It can be useful when a few unusually large values would make the mean unrepresentative of a typical observation.
Mode describes frequency
The mode is the most frequent value. A list can have more than one mode when values tie for the greatest frequency. Under the common classroom convention, a list with no repeats has no mode.
These tools do not include a dedicated statistics calculator. Use the basic calculator for the sum and division, but sort and count the observations carefully yourself.
LET’S WORK IT THROUGH
Find the mean, median and mode of 2, 4, 4, 6, 14.
- Sum = 30 and count = 5, so mean = 6.
- The sorted list has middle value 4, so median = 4.
- 4 appears twice, more often than any other value.
THE ANSWERMean 6; median 4; mode 4.
YOUR TURN
A small check for understanding.
What is the median of 3, 5, 9, 11?
Reveal the answer
7. Average the two central values, 5 and 9.
Now try your own numbers.
The basic calculator includes input guidance and the limits of its supported calculations. Use it alongside the method above.
Open Basic calculator ↗A note on precision: preserve exact fractions where possible and round numerical results at the end. Found an unclear step? Prepare a correction report.