How to Calculate Median Using Excel

The median is a statistics term which represents the middle score. It is the midpoint where 50 percent of the numbers fall below the median and 50 percent fall above. If there are odd values in the data, its middle value is called the median. If there are even values in the data, the middle two values are divided by two to calculate the median.

There are different ways to calculate the median. One of the simplest ways is to use a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. This how-to calculation guide is for Excel 2007 version.

Instructions

1. Add the numbers in the first column of your Excel 2007 document. For example, add the numbers 100, 200, 310, 240, 450 and 340 in A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 and A7.

2. Click on the "A9" cell for this example. This is the cell where you will calculate the median. When you calculate another median, choose any cell at the bottom of the list of numbers you are using.

3. Click "Insert Function" on the top left-hand side of the Excel spreadsheet. The "Insert Function" window will pop open.

4. Click on the drop-down menu of "Or select a category."

5. Scroll down the "Select a function" window. Choose "MEDIAN."

6. Click "OK." The "Functions Arguments" window will pop open. Ensure that on "Number 1" cell, A2:A7 is populated. If A2:A7 is not populated, enter A2:A7 manually. Click "OK."

7. The median has been successfully calculated in the "A9" cell. In this example, the calculated value of the median is 275.

Tips & Warnings

• When the median has been calculated, check twice to ensure your obtained value is correct.

• Checking twice will take less than a minute, so don't hesitate to double-check for accuracy.

References

• Statistics Alive; Wendy J. Steinberg; 2008
• Statistics; Robert S. Witte; 1980
• Statistics for People Who Think They Hate Statistics; 2009

Resources

• Learn about Median