When are mean and median the same?

They are equal when the data is symmetrical around the center, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 (both are 6).

Which is better, mean or median?

Use the mean when values are fairly evenly spread, and use the median when a few very high or very low numbers would distort the typical value.

Does the calculator on this page show both?

Yes, it calculates the average (mean), weighted average, median, lowest, highest, count, and sum at the same time.

Mean vs Median – Difference & Calculator

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): The mean (average) adds all values and divides by how many there are, while the median is the middle value once the numbers are sorted. A single very high or very low number pulls the mean, whereas the median stays steady. Paste your numbers into the free calculator on this page to see both side by side.

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

To find the mean, add all your numbers together and divide by the count.
To find the median, sort the numbers from lowest to highest and pick the middle one.
If there is an even count of numbers, average the two middle values for the median.
Paste your list into the calculator on this page to get the mean and median automatically.

At a glance

Measure	How it works	Best used when
Mean (average)	Sum divided by count	Data has no extreme outliers (e.g., test scores)
Median	Middle value when sorted	Extreme values skew the data (e.g., salaries, home prices)
Weighted average	Values multiplied by weights	Some items count more (e.g., exam weights, credits)

Mean vs Median: What Is the Difference?