Prev Next

Excel MEDIAN Function

The MEDIAN function in Microsoft Excel returns the middle value in a range of numbers. It is useful for statistical analysis to find the central tendency of a dataset, especially when outliers skew the average.

Key Topics

Overview of MEDIAN Function

The MEDIAN function sorts a range of numbers and returns the middle value (or the average of the two middle values for an even count). It is robust against outliers, making it ideal for datasets with extreme values.

MEDIAN Function Syntax

The syntax for the MEDIAN function is as follows:

Syntax: =MEDIAN(number1, [number2], ...)

Parameters:

  • number1: The first number or range to evaluate (required).
  • number2, ...: Additional numbers or ranges (optional).

Implementation Examples

Below are examples of how to use the MEDIAN function in different scenarios.

Example 1: =MEDIAN(B2:B6) — Returns the median value in B2:B6.

Example 2: =MEDIAN(B2, C2, D2) — Returns the median of values in B2, C2, and D2.

Example 3: =MEDIAN(B2:B6, C2:C6) — Returns the median across two ranges.

Sample Dataset (Excel-style View)

Below is a demo dataset styled like Excel, showing how the MEDIAN function can be used to find the median sales amount.

A B C
1 Region Sales Median Sales
2 North 1500 =MEDIAN(B2:B6)
3 South 800
4 East 1200
5 West 2000
6 Central 900

Note: In the dataset, cell C2 uses =MEDIAN(B2:B6) to find the median sales amount in B2:B6. The formula is displayed only in C2 for clarity, as it summarizes the range.

Key Takeaways

  • The MEDIAN function returns the middle value in a range of numbers.
  • It is robust against outliers, unlike the average.
  • It supports multiple ranges, e.g., =MEDIAN(B2:B6, C2:C6).
  • Common uses include finding central tendencies in sales, scores, or measurements.
  • The sample dataset demonstrates MEDIAN applied to regional sales data.
Prev Next