An average is the arithmetic mean and it is a calculated central value of a group of numbers.
To calculate: add up all the numbers, then divide by how many numbers there are.
For example: what is the average of 2, 4, 6 and 10?
Add numbers together: 2 + 4 + 6 + 10 = 22
How many numbers: 4
Sum divided by how many numbers: 22 ÷ 4 = 5.5
In Excel, you can use AVERAGE function to calculate the average of a group of numbers.
Formula:
= AVERAGE (Number1, Number2, …)
Explanations:
Number1 is required, the first number in the group you want to average;
Number2 is required, the second number in the group you want to average.
… (Other Numbers) is optional, any other numbers in the group you want to average.
Cautions:
The AVERAGE function will count only numbers. Cells that contain text or blank cells will be ignored in the calculation. To include the cells with text, please refer to the AVERAGEA function.
Example 1: What is the average of Cell A2:A5?
= AVERAGE (A2:A5) The average is 5.5.
Example 2: What is the average of cell A4:D4?
In this example, C4 is a blank cell, which is not in when calculating the average using the AVERAGE function.
Sum (A4 to D4): 6+3+3 = 12
Count (A4 to D4): 3
Average: 12 ÷ 3 = 4
= AVERAGE (A4:D4) The average of Cells A4:D4 is 4.
Example 3: What is the average of cell A5:D5?
In this example, C5 contains text, which is not in when calculating the average using the AVERAGE function.
Sum (A4 to D4): 10+8+9 = 27
Count (A4 to D4): 3
Average: 27 ÷ 3 = 9
= AVERAGE (A5:D5) The average of Cells A5:D5 is 9.
Quick Note: AVERAGE and AVERAGEA function
– Both functions will not count blank cells.
– The AVERAGE function only counts cells with numbers and cells with text or blank will be ignored; while the cells with text will be counted with the AVERAGEA function.
– Please see more statistical functions.
