What Is Mean Mode?
The mean is the sum of the values divided by how many there are. The mode is the value that occurs most often. Together they describe the centre and the most typical value of a data set.
Enter your numbers to get the mean, the mode or modes, the median for comparison and the number of distinct values. The calculator labels data as unimodal, bimodal, multimodal or as having no mode, and draws a frequency chart with the mode highlighted.
Below you will find the formulas, a worked example with two modes and answers on when to prefer the mode over the mean.
How to Use the Mean Mode Calculator
- Enter your numbers.
- Read the mean and the mode or modes.
- Check the frequency table.
- Compare with the median.
Mean Mode Formula
Mean
Mode
Mean Mode Variables Explained
| Symbol | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| x̄ | Mean | |
| n | Number of values | |
| f | Frequency of a value | |
| mode | Value with the highest frequency |
Mean Mode Worked Example
For 3, 5, 7, 5, 9, 5, 2, 7, 8, 7: the sum is 58 and n = 10, so the mean is 5.8. The value 5 occurs 3 times and 7 occurs 3 times, so the data are bimodal with modes 5 and 7.
With the example values loaded in the calculator above, the steps are:
- Mean = Σx ÷ n = 58 ÷ 10 = 5.8.
- Mode = the value that occurs most often. Most frequent: 5, 7, 3 times.
- Median = 6, shown for comparison.
Result: Mean = 5.8; Modes = 5, 7.
Where Mean Mode Is Used
Homework
Find mean and mode together with working.
Survey results
Spot the most common answer.
Checking skew
Compare mean, mode and median.
Frequency tables
Build one from raw data.
Common Mean Mode Mistakes to Avoid
- Sort the data to spot repeats.
- Report all modes if there is a tie.
- Use the mode for categorical data.
Mean Mode Terms and Definitions
- Mode
- The value that occurs most often.
- Bimodal
- Having two modes.
Mean Mode FAQs
How do you find the mean and mode?
Add the numbers and divide by how many there are for the mean; count how often each value occurs for the mode.
Can there be more than one mode?
Yes. Tied values give a bimodal or multimodal data set.
Can there be no mode?
Yes, if every value occurs the same number of times.
Which is better, mean or mode?
The mean uses all values; the mode is better for categories and shows the most typical value.