Descriptive Statistics

Mean Calculator

Calculate the arithmetic mean (average) of any dataset instantly. Free online mean calculator with step-by-step explanations.

What is the Mean?

The arithmetic mean, commonly called the “average,” is the sum of all values divided by the count of values. It’s the most widely used measure of central tendency in statistics.

Mean Formula

The formula for calculating the mean is:

x̄ = Σx / n

Where:

  • (pronounced “x-bar”) represents the mean
  • Σx represents the sum of all values
  • n represents the number of values

When to Use the Mean

The mean is most appropriate when:

  • Data is symmetrically distributed
  • There are no significant outliers
  • You want a measure that uses all data points

Limitations of the Mean

Be cautious when using the mean if your data:

  • Contains extreme outliers
  • Is heavily skewed
  • Is categorical in nature

In these cases, the median might be a better measure of central tendency.

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