The Median is the number found at the exact middle of the set of values. The arithmetic mean of a sample is the sum the sampled values divided by the number of items in the sample: A mean is computed by adding up all the values and dividing that score by the number of values.

The Mean or average is probably the most commonly used method of describing central tendency. In probability theory and statistics, a median is that number separating the higher half of a sample, a population, or a probability distribution, from the lower half. When looking at symmetric distributions, the mean is probably the best measure to arrive at central tendency. In mathematics and statistics, the mean or the arithmetic mean of a list of numbers is the sum of the entire list divided by the number of items in the list. A median can be computed by listing all numbers in ascending order and then locating the number in the centre of that distribution.

The median is better suited for skewed distributions to derive at central tendency since it is much more robust and sensible.Ī mean is computed by adding up all the values and dividing that score by the number of values. The mean is not a robust tool since it is largely influenced by outliers. The median is generally used for skewed distributions. The mean is used for normal distributions. The median is described as the numeric value separating the higher half of a sample, a population, or a probability distribution, from the lower half.

It is the most commonly used measure of central tendency of a set of numbers. The mean is the arithmetic average of a set of numbers, or distribution. Comparison chart Mean versus Median comparison chart

What is the median