Median Calculator
Enter numbers to obtain the median and view the sorted dataset for reference.
Median
19.5000
Sorted values:
12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27
How to Use This Calculator
- Paste or type your dataset in the input field.
- Review the median value displayed with four decimal precision.
- Use the sorted list to confirm ordering or identify middle points manually.
- Apply the median in reports, skewed distributions, or robust central tendency summaries.
Formula
For n values sorted ascending, the median is:
• If n is odd: value at position (n + 1) / 2
• If n is even: average of values at positions n / 2 and n / 2 + 1
Full Description
The median is a robust measure of central tendency, resilient to extreme values. It is particularly useful when data contain outliers or follow skewed distributions. Use the median alongside mean and mode to understand data symmetry and dispersion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include negative numbers?
Yes. The median calculation works with any real numbers.
What if my dataset is empty?
The calculator cannot compute a median without data—enter at least one value.
Do duplicates affect the median?
Duplicates are handled naturally; the median depends on ordering, not uniqueness.
Why does the median differ from the mean?
This occurs when data are skewed or contain outliers. Median emphasizes the central position, whereas mean averages all values.