Median Calculator

What is the median?

The median is the central value of an ordered data set. It depends on position after sorting rather than on the sum of all observations.

How to find the median

Sort the values from smallest to largest, count them, and then identify the center of the ordered list.

Odd number of values

With an odd count, the median is the single middle value. For 2, 5 and 9, the median is 5.

Even number of values

With an even count, average the two middle values. For 2, 4, 8 and 10, the middle pair is 4 and 8, so the median is 6.

Worked examples

For 10, 1 and 7, sorting gives 1, 7, 10 and the median is 7. Duplicate values stay in the ordered list and count normally.

Median vs average

The average uses the sum of every value. The median uses only position in the sorted set, so the two measures can differ substantially.

Outliers

The median is generally less sensitive to extreme outliers than the arithmetic mean because an extreme value often changes the ordering without moving the center as much.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting to sort the data first.
• Choosing one middle value when the count is even.
• Removing duplicate values before calculating.

Frequently asked questions

Can I enter negative values?

Yes. Any finite real numbers are allowed.

Does this change my entered order?

No. The pure calculation sorts a copy of the data.