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Median

The median is the middle value of an ordered data set — a measure of center that ignores extreme values. Learn how to find it and when it beats the mean.

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Finding the middle

Order the values from smallest to largest. The median is the one in the middle. Half the data lies below it and half above, which is why it resists outliers.

Odd vs. even counts

With an odd number of values, the median is the center one. With an even number, take the two center values and average them — that average is the median.

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Frequently asked questions

1

What is the median?

The median is the middle value when the data is ordered from smallest to largest. With an odd count it is a single value; with an even count it is the average of the two middle values.

2

When is the median better than the mean?

The mean can be pulled around by extreme values, while the median resists them. For skewed data like incomes, the median usually represents the typical value better.

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