How it works.
MEDIAN returns the statistical middle number in a set of values. If there is an even number of values, MEDIAN calculates the average of the two numbers in the middle.
Formula syntax.
Standard Excel Notation=MEDIAN(number1, [number2], ...)[like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.Formula arguments.
Every parameter accepted by the MEDIAN function is detailed below.
First number or range of numbers to analyze.
Example value:A2:A6Simple example.
Step-by-Step ScenarioCompensation Analysis - Median Salary
Calculate the median compensation to avoid executive salary skew.
| Role | Salary | Median Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst | 60000 | — |
| Specialist | 70000 | — |
| Manager | 75000 | — |
=MEDIAN(B2:B6)Evaluates MEDIAN over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell C2.
Formula generator.
Full Generator WizardCustomize the argument fields below to generate a tailored MEDIAN formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.
=MEDIAN()Expected result behavior.
Returns number 75000 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.
Best Practices
- Unlike AVERAGE, MEDIAN is not skewed by extreme outliers, making it ideal for real estate home prices and salary benchmarks.
Common Mistakes
- Text and blank cells within ranges are ignored; however, text entered directly into the argument list triggers #VALUE!.
Platform & version compatibility.
Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.
Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.
100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.
Frequently asked questions.
Technical Q&ACan I use MEDIAN across different worksheets in Excel?↓
Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =MEDIAN(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.
What is the most common reason for errors in MEDIAN?↓
Text and blank cells within ranges are ignored; however, text entered directly into the argument list triggers #VALUE!.
Does MEDIAN work identically in Google Sheets?↓
Yes, MEDIAN is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.