Mean, Median, and Mode

Mean, median, and mode help us understand groups of numbers. They are three different kinds of averages. Each one tells us something special about the numbers. Learning them helps you read charts and solve real math problems.

What Is the Mean

The mean is what most people call the average. To find it, you add all the numbers together. Then you divide by how many numbers there are. For example, the mean of 2, 4, and 6 is 4. The mean helps you find a typical number in the group.

Median and Mode

The median is the middle number when you line them up from smallest to biggest. If there are two middle numbers, you find the mean of those two. The mode is the number that shows up the most often. Some groups have no mode, and some have more than one. Each of these helps in a different way.

Fun Facts

• The word 'mean' comes from an old word that means 'middle.'
• If no number repeats in a list, then there is no mode.
• Teachers often use the mean to figure out class grades.

Did You Know?

Sometimes the mean, median, and mode can all be the same number, but most of the time they are different.