Excel MEDIAN function
Returns the middle value of a sorted list. Unlike the average, extreme values do not pull it. In Spanish Excel it is called MEDIANA.
Syntax
English Excel
=MEDIAN(number1, [number2], …)
Spanish Excel (Mexico)
=MEDIANA(número1, [número2], …)
Spanish Excel (Spain, Latin America)
=MEDIANA(número1; [número2]; …)
| Argument | What it is |
|---|---|
| number1 | The first number or range. |
| number2optional | More numbers or ranges. |
Example
The average gets pulled by extreme values. MEDIAN is the middle value of the sorted list and MODE the most repeated one. For salaries, the median describes the typical employee better.
=MEDIAN(B2:B8)
Common mistake
With an even number of values it averages the two in the middle.
About Ads
This site uses Google AdSense to display ads. These ads help us keep WebHerramientas completely free. Ads are managed by Google and meet strict security and privacy standards.
Ads help us keep WebHerramientas free for everyone
Practice MEDIAN
Type the formula in the sheet and check it instantly. Spanish or English function names both work. See all lessons
MEDIAN and MODE
The average gets pulled by extreme values. MEDIAN is the middle value of the sorted list and MODE the most repeated one. For salaries, the median describes the typical employee better.
The average (E2) is skewed by the director’s salary. In E3, calculate the median.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Employee | Salary | ||||
| 2 | Marisol | 12,000 | Average | 25,071.4286 | ||
| 3 | Fernando | 13,500 | Median | |||
| 4 | Gabriela | 12,000 | Mode | |||
| 5 | Hugo | 15,000 | ||||
| 6 | Daniela | 12,000 | ||||
| 7 | Óscar | 16,000 | ||||
| 8 | Director | 95,000 | ||||
| 9 |
Tip: while typing, click a cell or drag across several to insert their reference.
Frequently asked questions
- What is MEDIAN called in Spanish?
- In Spanish Excel it is MEDIANA. The formula =MEDIAN(B2:B8) is written =MEDIANA(B2:B8) (or with commas in Mexico).
- Why does MEDIAN use semicolons in some Excel versions?
- It depends on regional settings. Where the comma is the decimal mark (Spain, much of South America), Excel separates arguments with semicolons. English Excel and Mexican Spanish Excel use commas.
- What is the most common MEDIAN mistake?
- With an even number of values it averages the two in the middle.