Median - Formula, Meaning, Example

Median in statistics explained with definition, formula, and step-by-step examples to help you calculate and apply it easily for data analysis and problem-solving.

Jiya Tyagi12 Sept, 2025

Median is an important concept in math that tells us the middle value in a set of numbers. To understand what is median, first arrange the numbers in ascending order. The median definition is the value that divides a data set into two equal halves. To find the median, use the median formula: if the total numbers are odd, the middle number is the median; if even, add the two middle numbers and divide by 2. The median of two numbers is their average. Learning with examples makes it simple and clear.

Meaning of Median in Math

The meaning of median in math is the value that separates a set of numbers into two equal halves. In other words, half the numbers are smaller than the median, and half are larger.

For example:
In the set of numbers 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, the median is 7 because there are two numbers smaller than 7 and two numbers greater than 7.

The median definition can be stated as: The median is the middle value of an ordered data set.

Read More: Number Line

Median Formula

The median formula helps us quickly find the middle value of any set of numbers. Whether the total numbers are odd or even, using the formula makes it easy for students to find the median and solve median examples step by step. Below are the median formula:

1. When the number of values is odd:

Median = Middle value of the sorted data

2. When the number of values is even:

Median = (Sum of the two middle numbers) ÷ 2

Here, the median of two numbers is calculated using the second formula.

Steps to Find Median

Finding the median becomes very easy if we follow simple steps. By arranging the numbers in order and checking whether the total count is odd or even, we can quickly identify the middle value. These steps help students understand what is median and make solving median examples faster and more accurate. Below are the steps to find median:

Arrange the numbers in ascending order (from smallest to largest).
Count the total numbers in the set.
If the total is odd, the middle number is the median.
If the total is even, add the two middle numbers and divide by 2.

Median Example

To understand the median better, let’s look at some examples. By arranging numbers in order and using the median formula, students can easily find the middle value and learn what is median in real situations. Let’s solve a median example to understand better.

Example 1: Find the median of 3, 1, 4, 2, 5.

Step 1: Arrange in ascending order → 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Step 2: Count the numbers → 5 (odd)
Step 3: Middle number = 3 → Median = 3

Example 2: Find the median of 7, 10, 5, 2.

Step 1: Arrange in ascending order → 2, 5, 7, 10
Step 2: Count the numbers → 4 (even)
Step 3: Add the middle two numbers → 5 + 7 = 12
Step 4: Divide by 2 → 12 ÷ 2 = 6 → Median = 6

Example 3 (Median of two numbers): Find the median of 8 and 12.

Median=8+122=202=10\text{Median} = \frac{8 + 12}{2} = \frac{20}{2} = 10Median=28+12=220=10

Here, the median of two numbers is 10.

Read More: Successor and Predecessor

Why Median is Important?

The median is useful in everyday life and math because it shows the middle value of any data set. Understanding it helps students see typical values without being affected by very high or very low numbers. Below are some points why median is important:

It helps us find the middle value in a data set.
Unlike the average, the median is not affected by very large or very small numbers.
Teachers and students use it in math problems, exams, and daily life situations.

Median in Daily Life

The median is more than a math concept; it appears in daily life too. It shows the middle value in data sets, helping us understand typical scores, heights, or salaries. By using the median, we get a clear idea of average or central values in real situations.

Exam scores of students: The median score shows the middle-performing student.
Heights of children: The median height divides taller and shorter children.
Salaries in a company: The median salary shows the typical earning level.

Also Read: Euler's Formula

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