Excel AVERAGE Function
AVERAGE returns the arithmetic mean of the numeric values you give it.
Use it when you need a typical value for a set of numbers, such as average revenue per order, average score, or average days to complete a task.
AVERAGE syntax & arguments
Syntax
=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], ...)
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1
number1
RequiredThe first number, cell reference, or range to include in the average.
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2
number2
Optional RepeatableAdditional numbers, cell references, or ranges to include.
Example
=AVERAGE(C2:C20)
Return the arithmetic mean of the numeric values in C2:C20.
AVERAGE caveats
AVERAGE is straightforward, but the result depends heavily on what Excel treats as part of the numeric set.
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Blanks are ignored, zeros are included
An empty cell does not affect the result. A cell containing
0lowers the average because it is a real number. -
Text in referenced cells is ignored
Numbers stored as text do not contribute to the average when they are inside a referenced range.
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Errors stop the calculation
If any referenced cell contains an error, AVERAGE returns an error instead of skipping that cell.
Need conditions? Use AVERAGEIF or AVERAGEIFS when only some rows should be included.
Intro AVERAGE practice problem
Solve the intro problem directly here, or open it on its own page.
Advanced AVERAGE practice problems
Use AVERAGE alongside other Excel functions in realistic, less-prescriptive challenges.
