Separate values with commas, spaces or new lines.
Need the average of a set of numbers? Enter your values below and the calculator will add them together, divide by the number of values and show the result.
About This Tool
An average is a simple way to describe the central value of a group of numbers. The arithmetic mean, which is what this calculator finds, is calculated by adding all the values together and dividing the total by how many values there are.
It is useful for everyday comparisons such as test scores, expenses, measurements, ratings or any other list of numbers where you want one representative value. Along with the average, this tool also shows the count, total sum, smallest value and largest value so you can check the numbers at a glance.
How to Use
- Enter at least two numbers in the box. You can separate the values with commas, spaces or new lines.
- Select Calculate Average to see the arithmetic mean. The calculator will also show how many values were entered, their total sum, the smallest number and the largest number.
- Negative numbers and decimal values are supported. Use Reset when you want to clear the current calculation and start again.
Example
Suppose your numbers are 12, 18, 24 and 30. Their sum is 84 and there are four values.
Divide 84 by 4 and the average is 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate an average?
Add all the numbers together, then divide the total by the number of values. For example, 10, 20 and 30 add up to 60. Dividing 60 by 3 gives an average of 20.
Can I calculate the average of decimal numbers?
Yes. Decimal values can be included in the same way as whole numbers. The calculator will use each value when finding the total and average.
Can an average be a decimal?
Yes. The result does not have to be a whole number. If the total cannot be divided evenly by the number of values, the average will be a decimal.
Can I include negative numbers?
Yes. Negative values are included in the calculation normally and can lower the final average.
Is average the same as median?
No. The average, or arithmetic mean, is found by adding the values and dividing by the count. The median is the middle value after the numbers are arranged in order.
Why can one large or small number change the average so much?
The arithmetic mean uses every value in the calculation, so an unusually high or low number can pull the result in its direction. In those cases, the median may provide a different view of the data.