Mean Absolute Deviation Calculator

Mean Absolute Deviation is a measure of variability that tells you, on average, how far each data point is from the mean of the dataset. Unlike variance or standard deviation, MAD uses absolute differences rather than squared differences, making it more intuitive and less sensitive to extreme outliers.

The MAD formula is: MAD = Σ|xᵢ − x̄| / n, where x̄ is the arithmetic mean of the dataset, xᵢ represents each individual value, and n is the total number of values. You sum all the absolute differences between each value and the mean, then divide by the count.

Simply type or paste your numeric values into the Data Values field, separated by commas, spaces, or line breaks. The calculator will automatically parse your input and display the MAD, mean, sample size, and a full deviation table without requiring any additional steps.

Both measure data spread, but standard deviation squares each difference before averaging and then takes a square root, which amplifies the effect of outliers. MAD uses the absolute value of each difference instead, making it a more robust and easier-to-interpret measure when your data contains extreme values.

Mean Absolute Deviation uses the arithmetic mean as the reference point, while Median Absolute Deviation uses the median. If your dataset is symmetric and free of extreme outliers, both give similar results. For skewed distributions or data with outliers, Median Absolute Deviation is generally more robust.

Yes — MAD can be computed for any dataset with at least two values. For very small samples the MAD may not be a reliable estimate of population variability, but it is still mathematically valid and useful for understanding the spread within that specific sample.

A low MAD indicates that the data points are clustered closely around the mean, meaning the dataset is consistent and less variable. A high MAD means the values are spread further from the mean, indicating greater variability or dispersion in your data.

Yes. The calculator accepts any valid numeric values including negative numbers and decimals. Non-numeric entries and empty cells are automatically ignored so you can paste raw data without cleaning it first.