How can I calculate the mean, median, and mode in SPSS?

SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) is a powerful software tool used for statistical analysis and data management. It offers a variety of features to help researchers and analysts understand and interpret their data. One of the key functions of SPSS is the ability to calculate measures of central tendency such as mean, median, and mode.

To calculate the mean, median, and mode in SPSS, follow these steps:

1. Import your data into SPSS or create a new data set.
2. Select the “Analyze” tab from the menu bar and choose “Descriptive Statistics” followed by “Frequencies.”
3. In the “Frequencies” dialogue box, select the variables for which you want to calculate the measures of central tendency.
4. Click on the “Statistics” button and select the options for mean, median, and mode.
5. Click “Continue” and then “OK” to run the analysis.
6. The results will be displayed in the “Frequencies” output window, including the mean, median, and mode for each selected variable.

In conclusion, SPSS provides a user-friendly and efficient way to calculate the mean, median, and mode for a given data set. This can help researchers and analysts gain a better understanding of their data and make informed decisions based on the results.

Calculate Mean, Median and Mode in SPSS


In statistics, there are three common ways to measure where the “center” of a dataset is located:

  • Mean: The average value.
  • Median: The middle value, located at the 50th percentile.
  • Mode: The most commonly occurring value.

These are known as .

The easiest way to calculate the mean, median and mode in SPSS is to use Analyze > Descriptive Statistics > Frequencies.

The following example shows how to do so in practice.

Example: How to Calculate Mean, Median and Mode in SPSS

Suppose we have the following dataset in SPSS that shows the exam scores received by various students in some class:

Suppose that we would like to calculate the mean, median and mode of the exam scores.

To do so, click the Analyze tab, then click Descriptive Statistics, then click Frequencies:

In the new window that appears, drag Exam_Score to the Variables panel:

Then click the Statistics button.

In the new window that appears, check the boxes next to Mean, Median and Mode under the Central Tendency group:

Then click Continue. Then click OK.

SPSS mean median and mode

The first table in the output titled Statistics contains the values of the mean, median and mode of exam scores.

From this table we can see:

  • Mean exam score: 89.67
  • Median exam score: 92
  • Mode exam score: 97

The second table then shows the frequency of each unique exam score.

From this table we can see that the value 97 occurs 3 times, which is the most frequently occurring value and thus the mode.

Related:Real Life Examples of Using Mean, Median, & Mode

Additional Resources

The following tutorials explain how to perform other common operations in SPSS:

How to Calculate Interquartile Range in SPSS

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