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Numbers are everywhere, in our marks, bills, scores, and even daily life decisions. To understand numbers better, we often talk about the “average.” But did you know there is more than one kind of average in maths? The three main types are mean, median, and mode.

These three terms may look similar, but they have different meanings and uses. Each one helps us understand data in a different way.

In this blog, we will explain what the mean, median, and mode mean in clear, simple words. You’ll also learn how to find them easily with examples and know when to use each one.

What is Mean

The mean is what most people call the “average.” It shows the overall value of a group of numbers. The mean tells us what each number would be if the total were shared equally among all values.

How to Calculate the Mean

To find the mean, follow these steps:

  1. Add up all the numbers.
  2. Divide the total by the number of values.

Formula for Mean

Mean = Sum of all values/Total number of values

Example

Let’s say five students scored:
80, 85, 90, 95, 100

Step 1: Add all the numbers.
Sum = 80 + 85 + 90 + 95 + 100 = 450

Step 2: Divide by 5.
Mean = 450 ÷ 5 = 90

So, the mean score is 90.

What is Median

The median is the middle value in a set of numbers when they are arranged in order. It shows the centre point of the data. Half of the numbers are smaller than the median, and the other half are bigger.

How to Calculate the Median

  1. Arrange the numbers in increasing order.
  2. Find the middle value.

Example 1 (Odd number of values)

Data: 80, 85, 90, 95, 100
The middle number = 90
So, the median is 90.

Example 2 (Even number of values)

Data: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60
There’s no single middle number here.
Take the mean of the two middle values (30 and 40).
Median = (30 + 40) ÷ 2 = 35

What is Mode

The mode is the number that appears most often in a set of numbers. It shows the value that repeats the most. Unlike the mean or median, the mode doesn’t need any calculation; you just have to look for the number that occurs again and again.

How to Find the Mode

Just look for the number that repeats the most.

Example 1

Data: 80, 85, 85, 90, 95, 100
The number 85 appears twice.
So, mode = 85

Example 2

Data: 70, 80, 90, 100
No number repeats.
This means no mode.

Example 3

Data: 70, 70, 80, 80, 90
Two numbers (70 and 80) repeat twice.
This set is bimodal (it has two modes).

Differences Between Mean, Median, and Mode

Differences between mean, median, and mode can be understood simply. Mean is the usual average, median is the middle value, and mode is the most common value in a data set.

Point

Mean

Median

Mode

Basic meaning

The usual average of the numbers. ​

The middle value when numbers are arranged in order. ​

The value that appears most often. ​

How to find it

Add all the numbers and divide by how many numbers there are. ​

Arrange the numbers in ascending order and find the middle one (or the average of two middle ones if the count is even). ​

Look for the number that repeats the most. ​

Type of measure

Uses all values in the data set. ​

Depends on the position of values, not their size. ​

Depends on the frequency (how often a value occurs). 

Number of possible values

Only one mean for a data set. ​

Only one median for a data set. ​

Can have no mode, one mode, or more than one mode. ​

When it is best to use

When data is fairly balanced and has no extreme outliers (e.g. average test scores). ​

When data has extreme values or is spread out. (e.g. incomes, house prices). ​

When you want the most common or popular value (e.g. most sold size or the most chosen option).

Real-Life Differences

Sometimes, mean, median, and mode give different results, especially when the data has extreme values.

Example

Data: 10, 20, 30, 40, 100

Measure

Calculation

Result

Mean

(10 + 20 + 30 + 40 + 100) ÷ 5

40

Median

Middle value = 30

30

Mode

None

–

Real-Life Applications

These three measures are not only used in classrooms but also in everyday decision-making. Let’s see how each is used in different fields:

Measure

Common Uses

Example of Use

Mean

To find overall performance or average values

Average speed of a car, average marks in a test

Median

To find the middle or balanced figure

Median income level in a country

Mode

To find the most common or popular value

Most sold shoe size, frequently used word, or popular colour

Step-by-Step Practice Example

Let’s practise with an example.

Data: 10, 20, 20, 30, 40, 50, 50, 50, 60

Step 1: Mean

Sum = 10 + 20 + 20 + 30 + 40 + 50 + 50 + 50 + 60 = 330
Number of values = 9
Mean = 330 ÷ 9 = 36.7

Step 2: Median

There are 9 numbers. The 5th number (middle one) is 40.
Median = 40

Step 3: Mode

The most frequent number is 50.
Mode = 50

So,

  • Mean = 36.7
  • Median = 40
  • Mode = 50

They’re close, but not identical, showing how each measure tells a slightly different story.

Mean, median, and mode are simple yet powerful tools in mathematics. They turn large sets of numbers into easy-to-understand facts. Each one shows a different view:

  • Mean = overall average.
  • Median = middle value.
  • Mode = most common value.

When used together, they give a complete picture of the data’s story.
So next time you work with numbers, you’ll know exactly which type of “average” to use and why.

If your child is confused about mean, median, and mode, MathsAlpha can help. Our tutors make these maths ideas simple and easy to understand for Year 7 to Year 11 students.​

We teach with clear examples and patient guidance. Your child will learn how to find each one and when to use them. This builds confidence for exams and school work.

Contact us at info@mathsalpha.com  or call +44 7834 229046. Start today and see your child master averages easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Range is the difference between the highest and the lowest values. It shows data spread, unlike mean/median/mode, which show the centre.​

Yes, mode works with categories like colours. Mean and median need numbers only.​​

Multiply midpoints by frequencies, add, and divide by total frequency.​​

Outliers change the mean the most, the median less, mode not at all.

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