Average Calculator
Separate numbers with commas, spaces or new lines.
An average calculator finds the typical value of a list of numbers. Paste your numbers to get the mean, median, mode and range, switch to a weighted average for grades that count differently, or work out the score you need to reach a target average.
"Average" usually means the mean, but the median and mode are averages too
Mean, Median, Mode & Range
Four ways to describe the same list. Here they are for 3, 5, 6, 8, 8.
Mean
Add them all, divide by how many.
Median
The middle value once sorted. With an even count, average the middle two.
Mode
The value that appears most often. There can be none, or several.
Range
How spread out the list is: largest minus smallest.
When the Mean Misleads
One extreme value drags the mean toward it, while the median stays with the middle of the group. Here are five salaries.
Four of the five people earn less than the mean. Read Mean vs Median: Which Average Should You Use? for when each one gives the fairer picture.
When Some Numbers Count More
In a weighted average each value is multiplied by how much it counts. It's how most course grades are worked out.
| Part of the grade | Score | Weight | Score × weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homework | 90 | 20% | 18 |
| Quizzes | 80 | 30% | 24 |
| Final exam | 70 | 50% | 35 |
| Weighted average | 100% | 77 |
The Score You Need for a Target Average
Work backwards from the total points the target requires.
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Total the Target Needs
Target × number of tests. An 85 average over 4 tests needs 85 × 4 = 340 points.
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Subtract What You Have
Scores of 82, 75 and 90 add up to 247, so you still need 340 − 247 = 93 points.
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Share It Out
With one test left, you need 93. With two tests left, divide what's needed between them.
Averages on a 4 Function Calculator
Press = after adding, so the division applies to the whole sum. For a weighted average, the memory keys on a basic calculator keep a running total.
Mean of 3, 5, 6, 8, 8
Weighted Grade
Score Needed
Explore Other Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the average of a list of numbers?
Add the numbers and divide by how many there are. The average of 3, 5, 6, 8 and 8 is 30 ÷ 5 = 6. This kind of average is called the mean.
What is the difference between the mean and the median?
The mean adds every value and divides by the count; the median is the middle value once the list is sorted. One very large or very small value pulls the mean but barely moves the median: for salaries of 40k, 42k, 45k, 48k and 250k, the mean is 85k but the median is 45k.
Can there be no mode, or more than one?
Yes. If every value appears once, there is no mode. If two or more values tie for the most appearances, they are all modes: 2, 2, 5, 7, 7 has two modes, 2 and 7.
How does a weighted average work?
Multiply each value by its weight, add the results, and divide by the total weight. Homework 90 (20%), quizzes 80 (30%) and an exam 70 (50%) give 90 × 0.2 + 80 × 0.3 + 70 × 0.5 = 77.
Can I average percentages?
Only if each percentage comes from the same-sized group. 9 of 10 (90%) and 15 of 30 (50%) is 24 of 40 overall, which is 60%, not the 70% you get by averaging 90 and 50. Use a weighted average when the group sizes differ.
What score do I need to get a certain average?
Multiply the target average by the total number of tests, then subtract the points you already have. With 82, 75 and 90 and a target of 85 after 4 tests, you need 85 × 4 − 247 = 93 on the last test.