Average Calculator
Understanding Averages and Central Tendency
Arithmetic Mean
The arithmetic mean is the most common type of average, calculated by summing all values and dividing by the count of values. It's best used when:
- Data is normally distributed
- There are no extreme outliers
- Values can be meaningfully added together
Median
The median is the middle value when data is arranged in order. It's particularly useful when:
- Data contains outliers
- Distribution is skewed
- Working with ordinal data
Geometric Mean
The geometric mean is calculated by multiplying all values and taking the nth root. It's ideal for:
- Percentage changes
- Growth rates
- Ratios and proportional changes
Harmonic Mean
The harmonic mean is the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of reciprocals. Best used for:
- Rates and speeds
- Price-earnings ratios
- Per-unit quantities