Average calculator guide
The arithmetic mean is found by adding every value and dividing by the number of values.
Paste a list separated by commas, spaces, or line breaks. The result updates when you press Calculate.
How to calculate an average
- Enter values: Type or paste numbers separated by commas, spaces, or line breaks.
- Calculate: Select Calculate average to parse the list.
- Review results: Use the mean, count, and sum shown in the result panel.
Formula and variables
The arithmetic mean distributes the total equally across all observations.
mean = (x₁ + x₂ + … + xₙ) / n- x — Values
- Numbers in the data set
- n — Count
- Number of values
Test-score average
Find the mean of 80, 90, and 100.
- Data
- 80, 90, 100
- Sum = 270
- Count = 3
- Mean = 270 / 3
Result: 90
The arithmetic mean score is 90.
Understanding your results
Mean
The mean is the balance point of the values. A single extreme observation can pull it higher or lower.
Assumptions
- Every entered token is a finite numeric value.
- All values are intended to use the same scale and units.
Limitations
- This tool reports the arithmetic mean only; it does not calculate weighted, geometric, or harmonic means.
- It does not remove outliers automatically.
Common mistakes
- Using a percentage sign or currency symbol inside a value.
- Including a subtotal as though it were another observation.
- Interpreting mean as a typical value when outliers dominate.
Practical use cases
Grades and scores
Summarize test, assignment, or game scores.
Measurements
Average repeated measurements made under similar conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is average the same as mean?
In everyday use, average usually means arithmetic mean: sum divided by count.
How do I calculate a weighted average?
Multiply each value by its weight, add the products, then divide by the sum of the weights. This calculator handles an unweighted mean.
Sources and review
- Measures of Central Tendency — NIST/SEMATECH e-Handbook. Accessed 2026-07-14.
Reviewed 2026-07-14.