Median Calculator
Calculate the median of large datasets instantly. Visualizes distribution and highlights outliers. Distinct from mean/mode for skewed data analysis.
About
In skewed distributions (like income or housing prices), the mean (average) is deceptive because it is pulled by extreme values. The median - the middle value when data is sorted - offers a robust measure of central tendency that resists outliers.
This tool sorts arrays of up to 1,000,000 elements efficiently. It distinguishes the median from the mode (most frequent) and mean, providing a complete statistical snapshot. The integrated visualization maps your data onto a number line, allowing for immediate visual identification of clustering and dispersion.
Formulas
To find the median, the dataset X is first sorted in ascending order.
Reference Data
| Dataset Type | Preferred Measure | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Distribution | Mean | Utilizes all data points mathematically. |
| Skewed (Income/Home Prices) | Median | Ignores extremes (billionaires don't skew the result). |
| Categorical (e.g., Colors) | Mode | Only feasible measure for non-numeric data. |
| Life Expectancy | Median | Reduced impact of infant mortality rates. |
| Sensor Data (Noisy) | Median | Functions as a low-pass filter for single-point spikes. |