Mean Absolute Deviation Calculator
Find the mean absolute deviation (MAD) of a data set.
Results update as you type.
About this calculator
The mean absolute deviation (MAD) is the average distance between each value and the mean, using absolute values so distances never cancel out. It measures spread like the standard deviation but is simpler and less sensitive to outliers, because it does not square the deviations. This calculator reports the MAD together with the mean it was measured from.
Frequently asked questions
How is MAD different from standard deviation?
MAD averages the absolute deviations, while standard deviation averages the squared deviations and then takes a square root. Because it does not square, MAD gives less weight to outliers and is often easier to explain, but standard deviation has more convenient mathematical properties.
How do I calculate MAD by hand?
Find the mean, subtract it from each value and take the absolute value of every result, then average those distances. For 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 the mean is 6 and the MAD is (4+2+0+2+4)/5 = 2.4.
Results are estimates for general guidance only, not financial, medical or tax advice.