Register today for our Generative AI Foundations course. Use code GenAI99 for a discount price of $99!
Skip to content

Weighted Mean

Statistical Glossary

Weighted Mean:

The weighted mean is a measure of central tendency . The weighted mean Math image of a set of Math image values Math image is computed according to the following formula:

where

  • Math image are non-negative coefficients, called “weights”, that are ascribed to the corresponding values Math image .

Only the relative values of the weights Math image matter in determining the value of the weighted mean. In other words, if you multiply each weight Math image by a positive value Math image and recalculate the weighted mean with new weights Math image , then the value Math image remains the same.

The greater the weight Math image in respect to other weights, the greater the contribution of the corresponding datum Math image into the resultant value Math image of the weighted mean.

The weighted mean is used, for example, to aggregate a set of scores (e.g. examination scores on different subjects) to a single resultant score. In this case, the magnitude of the weights Math image reflects the importance of their respective subjects. (For this reason, the weighted mean is sometimes named the aggregate mean ).

Besides its use as a descriptive statistic , the weighted mean is also used to construct filters .

See also Mean values (comparison) and the online short course Basic Concepts in Probability and Statistics

Browse Other Glossary Entries

Test Yourself

Planning on taking an introductory statistics course, but not sure if you need to start at the beginning? Review the course description for each of our introductory statistics courses and estimate which best matches your level, then take the self test for that course. If you get all or almost all the questions correct, move on and take the next test.

Data Analytics

Considering becoming adata scientist, customer analyst or our data science certificate program?

Analytics Quiz

Advanced Statistics Quiz

Statistics Quiz

Statistics

Looking at statistics for graduate programs or to enhance your foundational knowledge?

Statistics 1 Quiz

Regression Quiz

Regression Quiz

Biostatistics

Entering the biostatistics field? Test your skill here.

Biostatistics Quiz

Advanced Statistics Quiz

Statistics 2 Quiz

Stay Informed

Our Blog

Read up on our latest blogs

Certificates

Learn about our certificate programs

Courses

Find the right course for you

Contact Us

We'd love to answer your questions

Our mentors and academic advisors are standing by to help guide you towards the courses or program that makes the most sense for you and your goals.

300 W Main St STE 301, Charlottesville, VA 22903

(434) 973-7673

ourcourses@statistics.com

By submitting your information, you agree to receive email communications from Statistics.com. All information submitted is subject to our privacy policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.