Média harmônica 2 valores
- Created by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
- Reviewed by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
Last updated: Apr 18, 2026
About this calculator
The harmonic mean calculator for two values computes the average of two numbers using the formula 2/(1/a + 1/b). This mean is particularly useful when finding an average related to rates, speeds, or ratios, such as calculating average speeds for round trips with equal distances.
Unlike the arithmetic mean, which adds values and divides by the count, the harmonic mean prioritizes the inverse relationship between numbers. For instance, if a car travels 100 km at 50 km/h and another 100 km at 100 km/h, the harmonic mean reveals the correct overall speed, accounting for the time of each segment.
This mean is more sensitive to smaller values and can be applied to scenarios like unit cost analysis, equipment performance evaluation, or resource optimization. However, it's crucial to ensure both values are greater than zero to avoid division by zero in the formula. Negative values are invalid in this context.
Frequently asked questions
What is the harmonic mean used for?
It's used to calculate averages for rates, speeds, or ratios where values have an inverse relationship, such as equal-distance trips with different speeds.
How does the harmonic mean differ from the arithmetic mean?
While arithmetic mean adds values and divides by the count, the harmonic mean inverts the values before averaging, giving higher weight to smaller numbers.
Can I use negative values in the calculator?
No, the harmonic mean is only valid for positive numbers because the formula involves divisions that aren't supported by negatives.
What if one value is zero?
The calculator will return zero or an error since division by zero in the formula isn't mathematically possible.