Median Calculator

Find the median (middle value) of any dataset. Works with both odd and even number of values. Includes step-by-step explanation and full statistics.

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📖 How to Use

Step 1: Enter your numbers separated by commas or spaces. Click "Example" for a demo dataset.

Step 2: Click "Calculate" for instant results with box plot and interpretation.

Step 3: Use "Copy" or "CSV" to export results. Click "Recalculate" to try new data.

What Is the Median?

The median is the middle value of a sorted dataset. For an odd number of values, it is the single middle value. For an even number, it is the average of the two middle values. The median divides the data into two equal halves and is the second quartile (Q2) of the five-number summary.

How to Find the Median

Sort your data from smallest to largest. If N is odd, the median is at position (N+1)/2. If N is even, the median is the average of values at positions N/2 and N/2+1. This calculator handles both cases automatically.

Why the Median Matters

The median is a robust measure of center — resistant to outliers and extreme values. It is preferred over the mean for skewed distributions like income, home prices, and response times. In the five-number summary, the median is the central anchor around which Q1 and Q3 are computed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do you find the median of an even set?

Sort the data, then average the two middle values. For 6 values, average the 3rd and 4th values.

Is the median always one of the data values?

For an odd number of values, yes. For an even number, the median is the average of two values and may not appear in the dataset.

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