Median vs Mean: Which to Use?

Mean and median answer different questions. Mean is the arithmetic average; median is the 50th percentile. For symmetric data they are similar; for skewed data they diverge.

Step-by-step

1. Use mean for symmetric, unimodal data without extreme outliers.
2. Use median for skewed data: income, house prices, reaction times.
3. Example: incomes of [30k, 35k, 40k, 45k, 500k]. Mean = $130k, median = $40k.
4. Report both when possible — mean for totals, median for typical experience.
5. Standard error of mean assumes normality; median is more robust.
6. See our blog on mean vs median vs mode for a full comparison.

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

Frequently asked questions