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Harmonic Mean of Three Numbers Calculator

Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device

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Verified formula Private

Harmonic mean

3.4286

For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.

How to use the Harmonic Mean of Three Numbers Calculator

The Harmonic Mean of Three Numbers Calculator works out your harmonic mean in an instant. Enter first number, second number and third number and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.

  1. Enter the first number.
  2. Enter the second number.
  3. Enter the third number.
  4. Read off your harmonic mean — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.

Formula

The Harmonic Mean of Three Numbers Calculator uses the formula:

Harmonic mean = 3 ÷ (1 ÷ First number + 1 ÷ Second number + 1 ÷ Third number)

Worked example

For example, with first number of 2, second number of 4 and third number of 8, the harmonic mean is 3.4286.

Inputs used
First number 2
Second number 4
Third number 8
Results
Harmonic mean 3.4286

Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.

Key terms explained

Mean
The average of a set of numbers — their sum divided by how many there are.

Frequently asked questions

Divide 3 by the sum of the reciprocals. For 2, 4 and 8 it is about 3.43.

For averaging rates or ratios, such as speeds over equal distances.

The harmonic mean is always less than or equal to the arithmetic mean and leans toward smaller values.

No. The harmonic mean uses reciprocals, so all values must be greater than zero.

The Harmonic Mean of Three Numbers Calculator uses the formula: Harmonic mean = 3 ÷ (1 ÷ First number + 1 ÷ Second number + 1 ÷ Third number). For example, with first number of 2, second number of 4 and third number of 8, the harmonic mean is 3.4286.

Enter the first number. Enter the second number. Enter the third number. Read off your harmonic mean — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.

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