Summary
The Excel AVERAGE function calculates the mean of its arguments, which can be numbers, cell references, or ranges, ignoring text and blank cells. It’s a basic yet powerful tool for statistical analysis, providing a quick way to determine the central tendency of a data set.
Syntax
=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], ...)
- number1: The first number, cell reference, or range for which you want to calculate the average
- number2, …: [Optional] Additional numbers, cell references, or ranges, up to 255
Return value
The arithmetic mean of the given numbers.
How to use
Input directly numbers or specify cell references/ranges to calculate their average. AVERAGE automatically excludes empty cells and cells containing text.
Examples
Simple AVERAGE
To Calculate the Average of a Series of Numbers: Finding the mean of a set of values.
=AVERAGE(1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
This calculates the average of the numbers 1 through 5, resulting in 3, demonstrating the function’s basic utility in finding the mean value.
AVERAGE for a Range
Averaging Values in a Range: To compute the average of numbers in a specific range.
=AVERAGE(A1:A10)
If A1:A10 contains ten numbers with a sum of 550, the formula returns 55 as the average, efficiently summarizing the data set with a single measure.
AVERAGE with Mixed Data Types
Evaluating a Range Containing Various Data Types: Calculating the average while excluding non-numeric entries.
=AVERAGE(A1:B5)
Assuming A1:B5 includes eight numbers totaling 400 and two text entries, AVERAGE returns 50, ignoring text and focusing solely on numeric values.
AVERAGE for Non-Adjacent Cells
Combining Specific Cells for Averaging: To average numbers from non-contiguous cells.
=AVERAGE(A1, C1, E1)
If A1 contains 10, C1 has 20, and E1 holds 30, the result is 20, showcasing the function’s flexibility in handling individual cell references.
Additional Notes
- AVERAGE is straightforward but versatile, suitable for a wide range of data analysis scenarios.
- For more complex averaging needs, such as conditional averages or averaging with multiple criteria, consider using AVERAGEIF or AVERAGEIFS.