When to use this calculator
The harmonic mean gives greater influence to small rates and is useful for some equal-quantity rate averages.
Explore the descriptive statistics calculators for other questions in this topic. For a related calculation, use the Interquartile Range Calculator: Measure the spread of the middle half of a dataset.
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Harmonic Mean: a worked example
The values below are an illustrative example, not a recommendation. Replace them with measurements or assumptions that match your question.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| First value | 30 |
| Second value | 60 |
| Result | 40 |
- Check the input labels and enter the example values above.
- Apply the relationship: Harmonic mean = 2/(1/a + 1/b).
- The result is 40 , rounded for display.
How to interpret your result
For average travel speed, this applies to equal distances rather than equal times.
The mean, median, range and standard-deviation tools accept variable-length lists with their limits stated. Choose a sample or population denominator appropriately. A summary statistic does not validate the sampling process or explain causation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use sample or population standard deviation?
Use population deviation for the complete population being described. Use the sample form when estimating variability from a sample under suitable assumptions.
When is the harmonic mean calculator useful?
The harmonic mean gives greater influence to small rates and is useful for some equal-quantity rate averages.
How do I use the harmonic mean calculator?
Enter first value, second value. The result updates automatically. Use the units shown beside each input; the example values illustrate the method.
Which formula does this calculator use?
Harmonic mean = 2/(1/a + 1/b).
What should I check before using the result?
For average travel speed, this applies to equal distances rather than equal times.
How are results rounded?
Scalar numbers display up to six decimal places, with scientific notation for very large or small values. Text, fraction, date and schedule outputs use the format described on the tool. Intermediate calculations use JavaScript floating-point arithmetic. Keep sensible precision for your measurements.
Further reading
For background on this topic, see NIST: exploratory data analysis ↗. This is a topic reference, not an external review or endorsement of this tool.
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