Excel MODE Function
MODE returns the numeric value that appears most often in a set of numbers.
Use it to find the most common score, rating, quantity, rounded value, or repeated numeric category in a dataset.
MODE syntax & arguments
Syntax
=MODE(number1, [number2], ...)
-
1
number1
RequiredThe first number, cell reference, range, or array to check for the most frequent numeric value.
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2
number2
Optional RepeatableAdditional numbers, cell references, ranges, or arrays to include in the frequency count.
Example
=MODE(C2:C30)
Return the numeric value that appears most often in C2:C30.
MODE caveats
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No repeated number returns an error
If no numeric value appears more than once, MODE returns a
#N/Aerror instead of choosing a fallback. -
Text in referenced cells is ignored
Numbers stored as text do not count as numeric values when they are inside a referenced range.
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MODE returns one value
When multiple values are tied for most common, MODE does not return the full set of tied values.
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Errors stop the result
Error values in the referenced data cause MODE to return an error instead of ignoring those cells.
Comparing typical values? Use AVERAGE for the mean, MEDIAN for the middle value, and MODE for the most frequently repeated number.
Intro MODE practice problem
Solve the intro problem directly here, or open it on its own page.
Advanced MODE practice problems
Use MODE alongside other Excel functions in realistic, less-prescriptive challenges.
