Can average velocity be negative?

Yes. Velocity includes direction, so if an object ends up behind its starting point, its net displacement and average velocity are negative.

Can average velocity be zero?

Yes. If an object returns to its starting point, total displacement is zero, making the average velocity zero even if it was moving the whole time.

Can average rate of change be negative?

Yes. A negative average rate of change means the output decreased overall between the start and end of the interval.

Can an Average Be Negative or Zero? Mean, Velocity and Rate

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): An average can be negative or zero whenever your dataset includes negative numbers or zeros. The mean is zero when positive and negative values cancel out, and negative when the sum of all values is below zero. You can test any mix of positive, negative, and zero values in the calculator on this page.

Do it now, right here

Type one value per line. Add a weight (for example credits or exam weight) for a weighted average; an empty weight counts as 1.

Or paste a list of numbers separated by spaces or line breaks

Average (mean)
Weighted average
Median
Lowest
Highest
Count
Sum

Step by step

List all your values, keeping any minus signs and zeros.
Type one value per line or paste the list into the calculator.
Check the Sum and Average (mean) fields below to see whether the total and mean are negative, zero, or positive.

At a glance

Value mix	Average (mean)	Example
All zeros, or positives cancel negatives	Zero	-5, 0, and 5 have a sum of 0 and a mean of 0.
Sum of all values is below zero	Negative	-10, -2, and 3 have a sum of -9 and a mean of -3.
Direction or change goes backward	Negative	Average velocity is negative when net displacement is opposite the positive direction.

Can an Average Be Negative or Zero?