Mean / Average Calculator
Enter a list of numbers separated by commas or spaces and instantly calculate the arithmetic mean (average), geometric mean, harmonic mean, sum, count, minimum, maximum, and range.
Understanding the Different Types of Mean
| Type | Formula | Best For | Example (2, 8) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Sum ÷ Count | General average | 5 |
| Geometric | n√(Product) | Growth rates, ratios | 4 |
| Harmonic | n ÷ Σ(1/xi) | Rates, speeds | 3.2 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to calculate average?
Add all the numbers together and divide by how many numbers there are. For example, the average of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 is (2+4+6+8+10) ÷ 5 = 30 ÷ 5 = 6. This is also called the arithmetic mean.
What is the difference between mean and median?
The mean (average) is the sum divided by the count. The median is the middle value when data is sorted. The mean is sensitive to outliers while the median is not. For symmetric data they are equal; for skewed data they differ.
What is geometric mean?
The geometric mean is the nth root of the product of n numbers. It is useful for data that is multiplicative in nature, such as growth rates, investment returns, and ratios. For example, the geometric mean of 2 and 8 is √(2 × 8) = 4.
When to use harmonic mean?
Use the harmonic mean when averaging rates or ratios, such as speeds, price-to-earnings ratios, or fuel efficiency. It gives less weight to large values. The relationship is always: arithmetic mean ≥ geometric mean ≥ harmonic mean.
The arithmetic mean is the most commonly used average. For datasets with outliers, consider using the median instead.
