The number of runs about the median is the total number of runs above the median and the total number of runs below the median.
A run about the median is one or more consecutive points on the same side of the center line. A run ends when the line that connects the points crosses the center line. A new run begins with the next plotted point.
The expected number of runs above and below the median is:

| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| m | number of points > center line |
| n | number of points ≤ center line |
| N | total number of observations |
The number of points in the longest run above or below the median. A point that falls on the center line belongs to the run below the median.
A p-value that is less than the specified level of significance indicates a tendency for clustering.
Assuming a standard normal distribution, p-value = cdf(Z).
Where:

| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| cdf | cumulative probability to Z |
| R | total number of runs |
| m | number of points > center line |
| n | number of points ≤ center line |
| N | total number of points |
A p-value that is less than the specified level of significance indicates a tendency to mix or alternate direction, which suggests that the data may come from different processes.
Assuming a standard normal distribution, p-value = 1 – cdf(Z).
Where:

| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| cdf | cumulative probability to Z |
| R | total number of runs |
| m | number of points > center line |
| n | number of points ≤ center line |
| N | total number of points |
The number of runs up or down is the total count of upward and downward runs in your data.
A run up is an upward run of consecutive points that exclusively increases. A run down is a downward run of consecutive points that exclusively decreases. A run ends when the direction (either up or down) changes. For example, when the preceding value is smaller, a run up begins and continues until the proceeding value is larger than the next point, then a run down begins.
The expected number of runs up or down is:

| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| m | number of points > center line |
| n | number of points ≤ center line |
The number of points in the longest run up or down.
A p-value that is less than the specified level of significance indicates a trend.
Assuming a standard normal distribution, p-value = cdf(Z).
Where:

| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| cdf | cumulative probability to Z |
| V | number of runs up or down |
| N | total number of points |
A p-value that is less than the specified level of significance indicates oscillation.
Assuming a standard normal distribution, p-value = 1 – cdf(Z).
Where:

| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| cdf | cumulative probability to Z |
| V | number of runs up or down |
| N | total number of points |