The AVERAGE function can calculate the average (arithmetic mean) of the values in a range of cells. In this guide, we’re going to show you how to use the function and also throw in some tips and error handling methods.


Supported versions

  • All versions

Syntax

AVERAGE(number1,[number2],...)


Arguments

number1 The first number or numbers you want to calculate. You can put a static number like 4, a cell reference like B6, or a cell range like B2:B8.
[number2] Optional. The second number or numbers you want to calculate up to 255 numbers.


Examples

Example 1

=AVERAGE(78,84,78,109,85,100)
formula simply AVERAGEs all numbers in the arguments.

Example 2

=AVERAGE(G3,H3,I3,J3,K3,L3)
formula AVERAGEs each value in referred cells.

Example 3

=AVERAGE(G3:L3)
formula AVERAGEs values in each cells in referred range. Any valid range can be used with the function.

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Tips

  • The function ignores the string values. However, please keep in mind that date or time values are serial numbers for Excel, not strings.
  • If you want to calculate the average of the values that meet certain criteria, use the AVERAGEIF function or the AVERAGEIFS function.

Issues

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The column is too narrow for the result of the function. The solution is to increase the width of the column.

Error

If there is an error in referred cells or ranges,it returns the same error.