Mean Absolute Deviation Calculator
Average distance from the mean, in the original units.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Mean absolute deviation
- 3.75
- MAD about the median
- 3.5
- Mean
- 9
- Standard deviation
- 4.5981
- Deviations
- 6, 3, 3, 2, 1, 2, 6, 7
- MAD ÷ SD ratio
- 0.816
Quick answer
Mean absolute deviation is the average of the absolute distances from the mean, giving a spread measure in the same units as the data.
MAD = Σ|xᵢ − x̄| ÷ n
How to use the Mean Absolute Deviation Calculator
- 1Enter your data values.
- 2Read the MAD — it is the typical distance from the mean.
- 3Compare with the standard deviation; for normal data the ratio sits near 0.8.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Data values3, 6, 6, 7, 8, 11, 15, 16
Results
- Mean absolute deviation3.75
- MAD about the median3.5
- Mean9
- Standard deviation4.5981
- Deviations6, 3, 3, 2, 1, 2, 6, 7
- MAD ÷ SD ratio0.816
Frequently asked questions
MAD or standard deviation?
MAD is easier to explain and less swayed by outliers. Standard deviation feeds into most formal statistics, so both have a place.
Why absolute values?
Without them the deviations cancel to exactly zero, which tells you nothing about spread.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.