KS3 Mean Median Mode Worksheets

These KS3 mean median mode worksheets give students structured practise with calculating averages and range across Year 7, Year 8, and Year 9. Understanding these measures of central tendency forms the foundation for data handling and statistics throughout GCSE and beyond. Teachers frequently notice that students confuse which average to use in different contexts, particularly when dealing with outliers or skewed data sets. Each mean median mode worksheet includes complete answer sheets, allowing students to check their working independently and identify where they've gone wrong. Available as downloadable PDFs, this collection supports students in building fluency with statistical measures whilst developing their reasoning about when each average is most appropriate.

Averages from Frequency Tables

Averages from Grouped Data

Choosing the Best Average

Comparing Two Sets of Data

Estimate of the Mean

Mean, Median, Mode and Range (A)

Mean, Median, Mode and Range (B)

Midpoint of Two Numbers

Reverse and Combined Mean

The Mean (A)

The Mean (B)

The Median and Range

The Mode and Range

What should students practise on a mean, median, mode worksheet?

A mean median mode worksheet should build systematic skills in calculating all three averages plus the range from data sets. Students need practise finding the mean by totalling values and dividing, ordering data to locate the median, identifying the mode as the most frequent value, and calculating range by subtracting the smallest from the largest. The worksheets progress from simple whole number lists to more complex scenarios involving grouped data, frequency tables, and decimals.

Students often lose marks by forgetting to reorder data before finding the median, particularly when working with even-numbered data sets where they must average the two middle values. Another common error occurs when calculating mean from a frequency table, as students multiply frequencies by values but then divide by the number of rows rather than the total frequency. Exam mark schemes consistently penalise these procedural mistakes.

Which year groups study mean, median and mode?

Mean, median and mode appear in the KS3 National Curriculum for Year 7, Year 8, and Year 9. Year 7 students typically begin with finding averages from small, simple data sets using whole numbers. They learn to distinguish between the three types of average and understand what the range tells them about spread. This foundational work links directly to the Statistics content domain in the National Curriculum.

As students progress through Year 8 and Year 9, the difficulty increases through larger data sets, decimal values, and frequency tables. Year 9 particularly focuses on choosing appropriate averages for different contexts and understanding why median is more suitable than mean when outliers are present. This progression prepares students for GCSE Statistics questions where they must justify their choice of average and interpret statistical measures in real-world contexts.

Why is calculating the range important alongside averages?

The range measures the spread of data by showing the difference between the highest and lowest values. Whilst averages tell students about the typical or central value, the range provides information about variability within the data set. Understanding both measures together gives a more complete picture of what the data shows. Students learn that two data sets can have identical means but very different ranges, indicating different levels of consistency.

This skill connects directly to STEM contexts where variability matters as much as average values. Scientists use range alongside mean when measuring experimental results to assess reliability, whilst quality control in manufacturing relies on keeping range within acceptable limits. Weather forecasters report both average temperatures and range to communicate how much variation to expect. These real-world applications help students understand that statistical measures aren't isolated calculations but tools for making sense of information and making informed decisions.

How do these worksheets help students master averages and range?

The worksheets provide carefully structured progression, starting with straightforward calculations before introducing more complex scenarios. Students encounter varied question types including finding missing values when given the mean, working backwards from averages, and comparing data sets using multiple measures. This variety ensures students develop genuine understanding rather than just following procedures. The consistent layout helps students focus on the mathematics rather than decoding unfamiliar formats.

Teachers use these resources flexibly across different classroom situations. They work well for initial teaching when students need repeated practise to build confidence, and equally for intervention with students who struggle to distinguish between the three averages. The answer sheets make them suitable for homework or independent revision, whilst paired work encourages students to discuss their methods and challenge each other's reasoning. Many teachers find them valuable for quick starter activities or targeted revision before assessments.