How to Find the Median of a Set of Numbers

Co-authored by Jake Adams

Last Updated: February 28, 2023 Fact Checked

The median is the exact middle number in a sequence or set of numbers.^{[1]
X
Research source} When you're looking for the median in a sequence that has an odd amount of total numbers, the process is really easy. Finding the median in a sequence that has an even amount of total numbers is a bit harder. To find the median easily and successfully, read on.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Find the Median in an Odd Set of Numbers

Download Article

If they're scrambled, line them up, starting with the lowest number and ending with the highest number.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Find the number that is exactly in the middle. This means that median number has the same amount of numbers in front of it as it does behind it. Count them to make sure.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- There are two numbers in front of the 3, and two numbers behind it. This tells us that 3 is the number exactly in the middle.
Advertisement
The median of an odd-numbered sequence is always a number in the sequence itself. It is never a number that is not in the sequence.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Find the Median in an Even Set of Numbers

Download Article

Again, use the same first step as the first method. An even set of numbers is going to have two numbers exactly in the middle.^{[4]
X
Research source}
2 and 3 are both in the middle, so you need to add 2 and 3, then divide the sum by 2. The formula for finding the average of two numbers is (the sum of the two middle numbers) ÷ 2.^{[5]
X
Research source}
The median of a sequence with even amount of numbers doesn't have to be a number in the sequence itself.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I find the range?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Subtract the lowest number in the set from the highest number.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 19
Question

How do I find the mode?

Community Answer

The mode is the digit in the set that appears most often. Example: 9,7,8,2,9,3,9 -- the mode is 9.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 22 Helpful 50
Question

Do I do anything differently if there are two of the same number?

Community Answer

No, just treat each occurrence as a separate piece of data and add them just like you would different numbers.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 15 Helpful 30