Mean, Median & Mode Calculator
Find the mean, median, mode, and range of any dataset with step-by-step explanations.
Understanding Mean, Median & Mode
These three values are called measures of central tendency because they each describe the "center" of a dataset in different ways. The mean is the arithmetic average, the median is the exact midpoint when data is sorted, and the mode is the most frequently occurring value.
When to Use Each Measure
Use the mean for symmetric data without extreme outliers. Use the median when data is skewed or contains outliers (e.g., household incomes). Use the mode for categorical data or when you need the most typical value (e.g., most popular shoe size).
The Range
The range (max − min) is the simplest measure of spread. While easy to compute, it is sensitive to outliers. For a more robust measure of spread, consider the interquartile range (IQR) or standard deviation.
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For a related calculation, use Sample Size Calculator to calculate the required sample size for a given confidence level, expected proportion, and margin of error. Alternatively, use Statistics Calculator to full descriptive statistics: mean, median, mode, quartiles, IQR, skewness, standard error, and more.
For the underlying method, read Understanding Standard Deviation and Why It Matters or A Practical Guide to Statistical Sample Size: How Many People Do You Actually Need to Survey?.