How to Calculate the Median

The median is the middle value in sorted data. Unlike the mean, it is not pulled by extreme outliers — preferred for skewed distributions like income.

Step-by-step

1. Arrange all values in ascending order.
2. Count observations (n).
3. If n is odd: median is the middle value at position (n+1)/2.
4. If n is even: median is the average of the two middle values at positions n/2 and n/2+1.
5. For grouped data: identify the median class and interpolate.
6. Use our Median Calculator for large data sets.

Open the Median Calculator to apply these steps with your own numbers instantly.

Frequently asked questions