Averages are everywhere: batting averages, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, grade point averages, the average temperature this time of year, the average age of death of ex-presidents, and so forth.
Average is probably the most commonly used statistical term. But like most things in statistics, sussing out the term's true meaning can be tricky. We use it a lot, but we often use it loosely, or even get it wrong. And that can be a big problem. Here are the different kinds of averages, how they are used, and why it’s important to use the right one in the right place.
