Average Calculator
Calculate the arithmetic mean (average) of any list of numbers. The simplest and most common measure of central tendency.
How to use the Average Calculator
- Enter your inputs into the Average Calculator above.
- Results update instantly as you type — no submit button needed.
- Adjust any value to see how the result changes in real time.
The average formula
Average = (Σ x_i) / n
Sum all values and divide by the count. Also called the arithmetic mean. Other averages (geometric, harmonic, weighted) exist for specific use cases.
Worked example
Test scores: 75, 82, 90, 88, 95. Average = (75+82+90+88+95)/5 = 430/5 = 86.
Frequently asked questions
When is average misleading?
When data has outliers or is skewed. Bill Gates walks into a bar and the average net worth of patrons goes up by millions — but no individual patron actually got richer. Use median for skewed distributions.
What is weighted average?
When some values count more than others. GPA is a weighted average of grades by credit hours. Σ(w_i × x_i) / Σ(w_i).
What's the difference between mean and average?
In everyday English, they're synonymous. In statistics, "mean" is more formal and includes specific types (arithmetic, geometric, harmonic, weighted). "Average" usually means arithmetic mean.