AVERAGE
Returns the arithmetic mean of arguments.
=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], ...)This static page keeps the function indexed for search, while the spreadsheet app handles interactive exploration and saved formulas.
What the function does
Overview
Returns the arithmetic mean of arguments.
The AVERAGE function calculates the arithmetic mean of its arguments by summing the numeric values and dividing by the count of those numbers. Key technical behavior includes the automatic exclusion of empty cells, logical values, and text contained within cell references. Note that while empty cells are ignored, cells containing the value 0 are included in the calculation, which can skew results if zeros represent missing data rather than actual measurements. Best practices involve ensuring data types are consistent; if your range contains text representations of numbers that should be included, use AVERAGEA or convert them to numbers first. To calculate a weighted average, use SUMPRODUCT divided by SUM. For modern dynamic arrays, you can combine AVERAGE with FILTER to exclude specific values like zeros or outliers before calculating the mean.
Quick reference
Syntax
=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], ...)Inputs
Arguments
Example: A2:A100
Example: B2:B100
Formula patterns
Examples
Calculate average of a single column
=AVERAGE(A2:A50)Average multiple separate ranges
=AVERAGE(A2:A10, C2:C10, E2:E10)Exclude zeros from the average calculation
=AVERAGEIF(A2:A20, "<>0")Avoid these issues
Common Errors
#DIV/0!
Cause: This error occurs when the range or arguments provided contain no numeric values, causing the function to attempt division by zero.
Fix: Ensure the referenced range contains at least one number or use IFERROR(AVERAGE(A2:A10), 0) to return a default value.
#VALUE!
Cause: Happens when an argument supplied directly in the formula (not via cell reference) is a text string that Excel cannot parse as a number.
Fix: Verify that all manually entered arguments are numbers and that cell references do not contain hidden non-numeric characters.
Platform support
Compatibility
Source: Microsoft Support
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Returns the arithmetic mean of arguments.
number1: Range or numbers to average number2: Additional ranges
#DIV/0!: Ensure the referenced range contains at least one number or use IFERROR(AVERAGE(A2:A10), 0) to return a default value. #VALUE!: Verify that all manually entered arguments are numbers and that cell references do not contain hidden non-numeric characters.