Excel MEDIAN Function
MEDIAN returns the middle numeric value from the numbers you provide, with Excel handling the ordering internally.
Use it when you need a typical value that is less affected by very high or very low outliers, such as response times, scores, prices, or call durations.
MEDIAN syntax & arguments
Syntax
=MEDIAN(number1, [number2], ...)
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1
number1
RequiredThe first number, cell reference, range, or array to include when finding the middle value.
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2
number2
Optional RepeatableAdditional numbers, cell references, ranges, or arrays to include in the median calculation.
Example
=MEDIAN(C2:C30)
Return the middle numeric value from C2:C30.
MEDIAN caveats
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Even counts average the middle pair
When you provide an even number of values, there are two middle numbers. In that case, MEDIAN returns the average of those two numbers rather than selecting one.
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Text in referenced cells is ignored
Numbers stored as text do not contribute to the median when they are inside a referenced range.
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Errors stop the calculation
If any referenced cell contains an error, MEDIAN returns an error instead of skipping that value.
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It is not the mean
AVERAGE adds values and divides by their count. MEDIAN finds the middle after sorting.
Comparing typical values? Use AVERAGE for the mean, MEDIAN for the middle value, and MODE for the most frequently repeated number.
Intro MEDIAN practice problem
Solve the intro problem directly here, or open it on its own page.
Advanced MEDIAN practice problems
Use MEDIAN alongside other Excel functions in realistic, less-prescriptive challenges.
