Excel is one of the most powerful tools in terms of data analysis, calculations, and visualization. Individuals and professionals use Excel to handle complex information and generate insightful charts effortlessly. However, the abundance of functions and formulas sometimes makes it difficult for users to find their required functions. The article will discuss the functionality of the median formula, highlighting its significance and explaining its usage step-by-step. Moreover, beyond exploring the median formula, the article will also introduce you to an exceptional software solution designed to enhance your data-handling experience.
What is the MEDIAN Formula in Excel?
The MEDIAN formula in Excel is a powerful statistical function. The median is used to find the middle value of a dataset. If the data is arranged in ascending or descending order, the median separates the higher half from the lower half of the dataset. The formula of the median is as follows:
=MEDIAN(number1, [number2], …)
It is important to note that the Median function only considers the numerical values and disregards the Text values or blank cells. Following is an example of the use of the Median Formula in Excel in which the formula returns the median of a data set from B2 to B9.
Basic MEDIAN Formula Usage:
As we have learned that the median is the middle value of a data set when it is arranged in ascending or descending order. Therefore, if there is an even number of data points, the median will be the average of the two middle values.
Following is a step-by-step tutorial on Excel median formula in multiple conditions:
Condition 1: Simple Data Set:
Step 1: Open the Excel sheet on which you want to apply the Median formula
Step 2: Enter the syntax of the Median formula in a cell where you want the result
Step 3: Press Enter, and the median value of the dataset will be displayed in the required cell
Condition 2: Even number of entries in the Data Set:
Step 1: Enter the syntax of the Median formula in a cell where you want the result
Step 2: Press Enter, and the median value of the dataset will be displayed in the required cell
Condition 3: Data set with blank entries:
Step 1: Enter the syntax of the Median formula in a cell where you want the result
Step 2: Press Enter, and the median value of the dataset will be displayed in the required cell
Condition 4: Using multiple ranges:
Step 1: Enter the syntax of the Median formula in a cell where you want the result
Step 2: Press Enter, and the median value of the dataset will be displayed in the required cell
Advanced MEDIAN Formula Usage:
With Single Criterion:
Step 1: Enter your dataset in columns B and C
Step 2: Enter the context of the formula =MEDIAN(IF(B3:B8="Chris", C3:C8))
Step 3: Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter on your keyboard to apply the array formula
With multiple Criteria:
Step 1: Enter your dataset in columns B, C, and D
Step 2: Enter the context of the formula =MEDIAN(IF(B3:B8="Chris",IF(C3:C8="Cycling",D3:D8)))
Step 3: Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter on your keyboard to apply the array formula
Difference Between MEDIAN and AVERAGE:
Average is another statistical measure, just like the median, that returns the central value of a dataset. However, there is a difference in the calculation logic and the results provided by a median and an average. The median is the middle value of a dataset when it is arranged in ascending or descending order, whereas the average is the sum of all values in a dataset divided by the number of data points.
To find the median, you need to arrange the data in numerical order and select the middle value. If the dataset has an even number of data points, the median is the average of the two middle values. On the other hand, to find the average, you will add up all the values and then divide the sum by the number of data points.
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FAQs
1. Can I use the median formula with non-numerical data?
No, the median formula is designed to work with numerical data. If you attempt to calculate the median of a range that contains non-numerical values, Excel will return an error.
2. Is the median formula affected by empty cells?
No, the median formula automatically ignores empty cells when calculating the median. This ensures that empty cells do not skew the results.
3. How do I handle hidden cells when using the median formula?
Excel's median formula automatically ignores hidden cells, so you do not need to take any additional steps to handle them.
Conclusion:
Overall, the article discusses the use of the median formula in Microsoft Excel for calculating the median of a data set. The article emphasizes that the data set should be numeric, and empty cells or non-numeric entries may result in errors. Furthermore, the article provides step-by-step instructions on how to use the MEDIAN function in different conditions and criteria. The article also underlines the functions, compatibility, and user-friendly interface of WPS Office. Follow the link below to download WPS Office for free https://www.wps.com/.
