How to use the Excel MEDIAN function

Summary

The MEDIAN function returns the median (middle number) in a group of supplied numbers. For example, =MEDIAN(1,2,3,4,5) returns 3.

Purpose

Get the median of a group of numbers

Return value

A number representing the median.

Syntax

=MEDIAN (number1, [number2], ...)

Arguments

number1 - A number or cell reference that refers to numeric values.
number2 - [optional] A number or cell reference that refers to numeric values.

Version

Excel 2003

Usage notes

When the total number of supplied numbers is odd, the median is calculated as the middle number in the group.
When the total number of supplied numbers is even, the median is calculated as the average of the two numbers in the middle.
Cells that contain text, logical values, or no value are ignored.
Numbers can be supplied as numbers, ranges, named ranges, or cell references that contain numeric values. Up to 255 numbers can be supplied.

Related functions

Excel AVERAGE Function

The Excel AVERAGE function calculates the average (arithmetic mean) of supplied numbers. AVERAGE can handle up to 255 individual arguments, which can include numbers, cell references, ranges, arrays, and constants.