We can use a formula that combines the MEDIAN and IF functions to find the median of a set of data if the values meet a criteria. The steps below will walk through the process.
Figure 1- How to Find the Median if Data Meets Certain Criteria
Syntax
=MEDIAN(IF(logical_test,value_if_true,value_if_false))
- logical_test: This is the criteria that must be met for the median function to operate
- value_if_true: This is the returned result by the IF Function that tells the median function that the criteria is met and median function can operate
- value_if_false: This is the opposite of value_if_true
Formula
=MEDIAN(IF($B$5:$B$10=$E$5,$C$5:$C$10))
Setting up the Data
Contractors have placed their bids for two separate projects in a company. The manager intends to find the median bid for Project A and Project B
- We will insert the Project names and Bids in Column B and Column C
- Our result will be returned in Column F
Figure 2 – Setting up the Data
Median if Data Meets Certain Criteria
- We will click on Cell F5
- We will insert the formula below into Cell F5
=MEDIAN(IF($B$5:$B$10=E5,$C$5:$C$10)) - Because this is an array formula, we will press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER
Figure 3- Median if Data Meets Certain Criteria
- We will click on Cell F5 again
- We will double click on the fill handle tool which is the small plus sign you see at the bottom right of Cell F5. Select and drag down to copy the formula to Cell F6.
Figure 4- Result of Median if Data Meets Certain Criteria
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