Average Calculator

Free online average calculator. Compute arithmetic mean, median, mode, weighted average, geometric mean, harmonic mean and more.

The word "average" often refers to the arithmetic mean, but there are several types of averages, each suited to different situations. This calculator computes the arithmetic mean, weighted mean, median, mode, range, geometric mean, and harmonic mean from a list of numbers.

Types of Average Compared

  • Arithmetic mean: Sum ÷ count — used for most everyday averages
  • Weighted mean: Each value multiplied by its weight — used in GPA, indices, portfolio returns
  • Median: Middle value when sorted — more robust to outliers than the mean
  • Mode: Most frequent value — used in fashion, survey analysis
  • Geometric mean: ⁿ√(x₁×x₂×…×xₙ) — used for growth rates and ratios
  • Harmonic mean: n/(1/x₁+…+1/xₙ) — used for rates and speeds

Which Average to Use?

Use the mean for symmetrical data without outliers (e.g., exam scores in a normal class). Use the median when outliers could skew the result (e.g., income data where a few billionaires inflate the mean). Use the geometric mean for compound growth (e.g., average annual investment return over multiple years). Use the harmonic mean for averaging rates (e.g., average speed when driving at different speeds for equal distances).

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