“The average” is not one thing. There are three common averages — mean, median, and mode — and choosing the wrong one can badly distort a story. Knowing which to trust is a genuine numeracy superpower.
The three averages
The mean is the total divided by the count — the everyday average. The median is the middle value when you sort the data. The mode is the value that appears most often. For the set 2, 3, 3, 4, 100: the mean is 22.4, the median is 3, and the mode is 3.
Why outliers matter
That example shows the trap. One extreme value (100) drags the mean far above where most of the data sits, while the median stays put. This is exactly why “average income” (mean) can look high while “typical income” (median) is much lower — a few huge earners pull the mean up.
Choosing wisely
Use the mean for symmetric data without extremes. Use the median for skewed data like income, home prices, or response times. Use the mode for categories — the most common shoe size or most popular choice.
Frequently asked questions
Which average do news reports usually mean?
Usually the mean, which is why it pays to ask whether the median would tell a fairer story.
Can data have more than one mode?
Yes. Two equally common values make it bimodal, which can signal two distinct groups in the data.
Try it yourself
Skip the manual math — use a free tool and get the answer instantly:
Results are general information only and not professional financial, medical, or legal advice.