Enter a definite integral, and the calculator will approximate its value using the midpoint (mid-ordinate) rule, providing step-by-step calculations.
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Our online midpoint rule calculator estimates definite integrals using the midpoint method. It approximates the area under a curve by evaluating the function at the midpoint of each subinterval, giving a more accurate estimate compared to simple left- or right-endpoint sums.
The midpoint rule is a numerical integration technique. It approximates the area under a curve \(f(x)\) on an interval [a,b] by summing the areas of rectangles whose heights are determined by the function value at the midpoint of each subinterval.

You can also try the online Riemann Sum Calculator to compare left, right, midpoint, or trapezoidal estimates.
For n subintervals, the midpoint rule is:
$$ \int_a^b f(x) \, dx \approx \Delta x \sum_{i=0}^{n-1} f\left(\frac{x_i + x_{i+1}}{2}\right) $$
Where Δx = (b - a)/n is the width of each subinterval.
Approximate \( \int_1^4 \sqrt{x^2 + 4} \, dx \) using n = 5 subintervals.
Solution:
Δx = (4-1)/5 = 0.6 → Subintervals: 1, 1.6, 2.2, 2.8, 3.4, 4.
Midpoints and function values:
Approximate integral:
0.6 × (2.3853 + 2.7586 + 3.2015 + 3.6891 + 4.2059) ≈ 9.7444
For exact evaluation, use an online integral calculator.
The error in the midpoint approximation is bounded by:
$$ |E_M| \le \frac{K (b-a)^3}{24 n^2} $$
Where:
Generally, yes. The midpoint rule often provides better accuracy for smooth functions, as it samples the function at the center of each subinterval rather than the endpoints.
The trapezoidal rule uses linear approximations, which can underestimate or overestimate areas depending on curvature, while the midpoint rule evaluates at the subinterval center, improving accuracy.
For each subinterval [x_i, x_{i+1}], the midpoint is x = (x_i + x_{i+1})/2. Evaluate f(x) at these points to set rectangle heights.
Compute the maximum of |f''(x)| on [a, b], then apply |E_M| ≤ K(b-a)^3 / (24 n^2).
The midpoint rule calculator is a fast and reliable tool for estimating definite integrals. By evaluating the function at the midpoint of each subinterval, it produces accurate Riemann sum approximations for a variety of functions.
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