Mean, median, mode & standard deviation
Paste a column of numbers in any format — commas, spaces, or one per line — and every summary statistic is calculated at once, including the quartiles and standard error that most average calculators leave out.
How to use the mean, median, mode & standard deviation
- Paste or type your numbers.
- Choose whether the data is a sample or a whole population.
- Read the four headline figures, then the full list of statistics underneath.
How it works
Mean is the sum divided by the count. Median is the middle value once sorted, which is the more honest measure when a few extreme values would drag the mean away from the bulk of the data — incomes and house prices are the classic examples. Mode is the most frequent value, and is only meaningful when something actually repeats.
The sample-versus-population choice changes the denominator in the variance. Dividing by n − 1 rather than n, known as Bessel's correction, compensates for the fact that a sample's own mean sits slightly closer to its own points than the true population mean does, which would otherwise make the spread look smaller than it is. Use the sample option unless your numbers are genuinely every member of the group.
Common questions
What is the difference between mean and median?
Mean is the arithmetic average; median is the middle value. When the data is skewed, the median describes a typical case better.
Should I use sample or population standard deviation?
Sample, unless your numbers cover the entire group you are describing. Sample is the default here.
Can a data set have more than one mode?
Yes — if two values tie for most frequent, both are modes. The calculator lists them all, and reports none when nothing repeats.