Mediation Midpoint Calculator
Quickly determine the settlement "bracket" and middle ground between two parties in a negotiation.
Calculation Results
Midpoint (The "Split"): $0.00
Total Negotiation Gap: $0.00
Note: The midpoint is often used by mediators as a "bracket" to gauge the willingness of parties to move toward a compromise.
Understanding the Midpoint in Mediation
In legal disputes, insurance claims, and private negotiations, the midpoint represents the mathematical center between the two current active offers. While many mediators advise against "splitting the difference" too early, knowing the midpoint is essential for strategic positioning.
The Importance of the Settlement Gap
The settlement gap is the distance between what the Plaintiff wants and what the Defendant is willing to pay. A wide gap suggests that the parties are still in the "posturing" phase of mediation. As the gap narrows, the midpoint becomes a powerful psychological anchor for a potential settlement.
How to Calculate the Midpoint
The formula for the mediation midpoint is a simple arithmetic mean:
Example Calculation
Imagine a personal injury case where the following occurs:
- Plaintiff Demand: $150,000
- Defendant Offer: $50,000
- The Gap: $100,000
- The Midpoint: $100,000
In this scenario, the "middle of the road" is $100,000. If the mediator suggests a bracket of $90,000 to $110,000, they are using the midpoint as the center of that bracket to see if both parties are willing to move into a range where a deal can be reached.
Why Use This Calculator?
During a high-stress mediation session, emotions can run high. Having a neutral tool to calculate the "numbers" helps both attorneys and clients stay focused on the objective reality of the negotiation. It allows you to quickly evaluate "What if" scenarios as offers and counter-offers are exchanged across the table.