How To Calculate the Geometric Mean

The geometric mean is another way to find the average value of a number set, but instead of adding the values and dividing, you multiply them together before taking the root.The geometric mean can be used to show how much something has grown over time.If you want to find the geometric mean, you have to divide the values by the number of values in the set.The geometric mean can be solved using the logarithmic functions on your calculator.

Step 1: Take the values you want to find a geometric mean for.

When you find a product, you can either use a calculator or hand it over.If you want to find the product, multiply all of the numbers in the set.Don't forget the product if you write it down.If the value set is 3, 5, and 12 you would write 180.If you want to find the geometric mean for the set 2 and 18 then write it down.

Step 2: The root of the product is the number of values.

Use the n value to determine which root you need to take of the product.If you have more than one value, take the square root and cube root.Write down your answer when you use your calculator.The set of 3, 5, and 12 should be written.Write the number 6 in the second example with a set of 2 and 18.

Step 3: Percentages can be converted to their equivalents.

If the number set is written out as increases or decreases in percentages, avoid using the percent value in the geometric mean since it will skew your results.Add 1 to the percent if it is an increase.If there is a percent decrease, move the decimal point 2 places to the left and subtract it from 1.If you want to find the geometric mean of the value of an object that increases by 10%, then it will fall by 3%.Add 1 to 10% to get 1.10Take 3% and divide it by 1 to get 0.97.To find the geometric mean, use the 2 decimal values.If you want to find a 3% increase in value, you can convert the number back to a percent by moving the decimal point 2 places to the right and subtracting 1 from it.

Step 4: The numbers in the set have logarithmic values added to them.

The LOG function will tell you how many times you need to add 10 together to get the same value.The LOG function is on the left side of the calculator.The first value in the set can be entered with the LOG button.If you want to put in LOG for your second value, you need to type in a '+'.Before you find the sum, separate the LOG functions for each value with a plus sign.If you had a set of 7, 9, and 12 you would type in log(7), log(10), and log(12) before hitting the calculator.You will get a sum when you solve the functions.You can calculate the logarithms separately before adding the answers together.

Step 5: The sum of the values should be divided by the number of values in the set.

Divide the sum you just found by the number of values in your set.The answer will be the geometric mean's logarithmic value.There is a set of 3 numbers, so you can type in: 2.878521796 / 3 0.959507265.

Step 6: The geometric mean can be determined by taking the antilog of the quotient.

The inverse of the LOG function on the calculator is the antilog function.The symbol "10" on your calculator is a secondary function of the LOG button.The antilog can be activated by pressing the 2nd button in the top left corner of the calculator.The quotient you found in the last step is what you'll use to solve the equation.Your calculator will read: 10 9.11.

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