Mean Absolute Deviation Calculator
Calculate the mean absolute deviation about the mean and the median absolute deviation about the median.
Your inputs
Results
Mean absolute deviation (about the mean)
2.4
- Median absolute deviation (about the median)
- 2
- Mean
- 6
✓Exact calculation — rounded only for display
What this calculator does
Mean absolute deviation measures typical distance from the mean without squaring, making it easier to interpret than variance.
Formula and method
MAD (mean) = Σ|x − mean| ÷ n; Median absolute deviation = median(|x − median|)
Worked example
Calculated by this tool with its default inputs:
Inputs
- Numbers (separated by commas, spaces or new lines): 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
Results
- Mean absolute deviation (about the mean): 2.4
- Median absolute deviation (about the median): 2
- Mean: 6
How to read the results
The median absolute deviation is very robust to outliers.
Assumptions and limitations
- Both are in the same units as the data.
Questions
Which “MAD” is which?
The abbreviation is used for both; this tool shows both clearly labelled.
Methodology and verification
- Result type
- Exact mathematical calculation (rounded only for display)
- Formula version
- 1.0
- Automated verification
- 2 reference and validation test cases, checked against independently computed values. The site cannot be built if any of them fail.
- Editorial review
- Awaiting human editorial review. The explanation was drafted with AI assistance; the formula and examples are verified by the automated tests above.
Privacy
Everything you enter is calculated in this browser and is not sent to Numerith or anyone else. Inputs are added to a share link only if you choose to include them. Privacy policy