Average Calculator
Find the arithmetic mean, median, sum, range, minimum, and maximum for a list of numbers.
Content updated July 31, 2026
“Average” here means the arithmetic mean. Results are shown with up to six decimal places; the original values are not rounded before calculation.
The everyday word “average” usually means the arithmetic mean: add every value, then divide the sum by how many values there are. Paste or type a list and this calculator also reports the median, sum, range, minimum, and maximum.
Comparing the mean with the median helps reveal whether a very high or low value is pulling the mean away from the middle of the data.
The Average formula
Arithmetic mean = (x₁ + x₂ + … + xₙ) ÷ nx₁ through xₙ are the entered values · n is the number of values. The data set must contain at least one finite number.
Worked example
For 12, 18, 21, 24, and 30, the sum is 105 and n = 5, so the arithmetic mean is 105 ÷ 5 = 21. The median is also 21.
Assumptions, rounding, and limitations
Assumptions
- Every entered value has equal weight.
- “Average” means arithmetic mean.
- Values are treated as one ungrouped data set.
Rounding: Calculations use full floating-point precision; displayed results show up to six decimal places.
Limitations
- Accepts at most 1,000 finite numeric values.
- Does not calculate weighted, geometric, or harmonic means, and does not infer units.
Sources
- Elementary Algebra — Means — NIST Digital Library of Mathematical Functions
Mean versus median
The mean uses every value, so it responds strongly to outliers. The median is the middle value after sorting, or the mean of the two middle values when the list has an even count.
Neither measure is automatically better. The mean is useful when every magnitude should contribute; the median is often more representative when a few extreme values distort the data.
Frequently asked questions
▶How do I calculate an average?
Add all values and divide by the number of values. For 10, 20, and 30, the mean is 60 ÷ 3 = 20.
▶Is average the same as mean?
Average can refer to several measures, but in this calculator it means the arithmetic mean.
▶What is the median?
The median is the middle value after sorting. With an even number of values, it is the arithmetic mean of the two middle values.
▶Can I include negative numbers and decimals?
Yes. Separate finite positive, negative, or decimal values with commas, spaces, semicolons, or new lines.
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Open calculator →Disclaimer: Average Calculator results are estimates for general information and education only, and are not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify important decisions with a qualified professional.