Sample Skewness Calculator
Measure sample asymmetry with an adjusted skewness coefficient.
How the sample skewness calculator works
Skewness measures asymmetry around a distribution’s mean. This calculator uses the adjusted Fisher–Pearson sample coefficient, which forms the third central moment, divides by the second central moment raised to three halves, and applies a finite-sample correction. Positive output indicates a longer right tail, while negative output indicates a longer left tail under this moment-based definition.
For the default sample 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, the large final value stretches the right side. The adjusted calculation gives the verified skewness 1.338503887, a positive result consistent with that shape. Removing 8 and using a symmetric sequence such as 1 through 5 would make the third central moment and skewness zero.
Reading sample skewness calculator results privately
At least three observations and nonzero spread are required. Skewness is sensitive to extreme values, and one coefficient cannot describe multimodality or every visual feature of a distribution. Different software may report biased moment skewness instead of the adjusted sample form, so confirm the convention before comparing results across packages. This sample skewness calculator calculation runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter never leave your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does positive skewness mean?
The moment calculation is pulled toward a longer or heavier right tail, although a plot should still be checked for shape.
Why might software show a different value?
Packages use different population, biased-sample, or adjusted-sample formulas. This page uses adjusted Fisher-Pearson skewness.
Is the sample skewness calculator private?
Yes. Its inputs and results stay in your browser. Bushe.co does not upload or store the values used in this calculation.
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