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AVERAGE Function
Summary
The AVERAGE function calculates the arithmetic mean of a set of numeric values, ignoring text, logical values, and empty cells while including zeros. It's the most fundamental statistical function for finding central tendency in datasets.
Syntax
AVERAGE(number1, [number2], ...)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| number1 | Number|Range |
Yes | Required first numeric value, cell reference, or range for averaging |
| number2 | Number|Range |
No | Optional additional numbers, references, or ranges; maximum 255 arguments |
Using the AVERAGE Function
Use AVERAGE as your go-to function for calculating means across datasets. It automatically excludes text, logical values, and blanks from calculations while treating zeros as valid data points, making it perfect for clean numeric analysis.
Common AVERAGE Examples
Basic Range Average
=AVERAGE(A2:A6)Calculates the mean of values in cells A2 through A6 (10,15,32,27,2) resulting in 17.2
Range with Extra Value
=AVERAGE(A2:A6, 5)Averages the range A2:A6 plus the constant 5, yielding 15.6
Multiple Ranges
=AVERAGE(A2:C2)Averages all numeric values across multiple adjacent columns in row 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#DIV/0!
Cause: All arguments are non-numeric (text, errors, or empty)
Solution: Ensure at least one valid numeric value exists
#VALUE!
Cause: Arguments contain unconvertible text or error values
Solution: Clean data or use AVERAGEIF for conditional averaging
Notes
- Logical values typed directly into arguments are ignored
- Use AVERAGEA to include logicals and text numbers
- Empty cells ≠ zero values: empties ignored, zeros counted
- Ideal for symmetric distributions where mean=median=mode
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2007+, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 365
Not available in:
Content last reviewed: December 11, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 365