Mean Calculator

Calculate the arithmetic mean (average) of your data set.

Mean (Average)

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Sum

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What is Mean?

The mean (arithmetic average) is the sum of all values divided by the number of values. It's the most common measure of central tendency.

Mean = Sum of all values / Number of values

Example

For the data set {2, 4, 6, 8, 10}:

Mean = (2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10) / 5 = 30 / 5 = 6

When to Use Mean

When data is symmetrically distributed
When there are no significant outliers
For interval or ratio data

Limitations of Mean

The mean is sensitive to outliers. A single extreme value can significantly change the mean. In such cases, consider using the median instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mean and average?

In everyday usage, they are the same thing. "Mean" specifically refers to the arithmetic mean, while "average" can sometimes refer to other measures like median or mode.

Can mean be negative?

Yes, if your data set contains negative values or the sum of values is less than zero, the mean will be negative.