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DAVERAGE Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The DAVERAGE function calculates the average of values in a specified field from a database range that meet criteria defined in a separate criteria range. Perfect for conditional averaging in tabular data structures.

Syntax

DAVERAGE(database, field, criteria)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
database	`Range`	Yes	Complete database table range with headers in row 1
field	`Text/Number`	Yes	Field name in double quotes or numeric position (1-based index)
criteria	`Range`	Yes	Criteria table with matching headers and conditions underneath

Using the DAVERAGE Function

DAVERAGE transforms your Excel table into a powerful database query tool. Define your data as a database with headers, create a criteria section matching those headers, and DAVERAGE returns the average of your target field for all records meeting your conditions. Ideal for sales analysis, inventory tracking, and performance reporting.

Common DAVERAGE Examples

Average Yield for Apple Trees Over 10 Feet

=DAVERAGE(A4:E10, "Yield", A1:B2)

Averages Yield column where Tree="Apple" AND Height>10. Returns 12.

Average Age of All Trees

=DAVERAGE(A4:E10, 3, A12:E13)

Averages Age (column 3) for entire database when criteria headers match but no conditions specified. Returns 13.

Sales Average for Specific Reps

=DAVERAGE(A1:D20, "Sales", F1:F3)

Averages Sales where Salesperson matches Davolio OR Buchanan.

Frequently Asked Questions

First row must contain column headers. Data rows below contain records. Headers must exactly match criteria headers.

Copy database headers to criteria range with blank row underneath. This matches all records.

Yes, only numeric values in the field are averaged. Text and blanks are excluded from calculation.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: Criteria headers don't exactly match database headers

Solution: Ensure criteria range column labels match database headers exactly (case-sensitive)

#NUM! or #DIV/0!

Cause: No records match criteria OR field contains no numbers

Solution: Verify criteria conditions and ensure target field has numeric data

Wrong average result

Cause: Criteria range placed below database OR overlapping

Solution: Position criteria range away from database (not below or overlapping)

Notes

Criteria range needs at least one header + condition row
Use column numbers (1,2,3...) for field when headers contain special characters
Wildcards ? (single char), * (multiple chars), ~? (literal ?) work in text criteria
Case-insensitive text matching by default
Don't place criteria below database to avoid expansion issues
Multiple criteria rows = OR logic, same-row criteria = AND logic

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in:

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+