What is a mean (average)?

The mean, often just called the average, is found by adding all the numbers in a set and then dividing by how many numbers there are. It tells you the typical or 'middle' value if everything were shared out evenly.

Examples

• The mean of 4, 6 and 8 is (4+6+8) ÷ 3 = 6.
• Scores 10, 10, 20, 40: mean = 80 ÷ 4 = 20.
• The mean of 2 and 8 is 5.

Quick facts

• Mean, median and mode are three different kinds of average.
• One very large or small value can pull the mean up or down.