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Math function

Excel AVERAGE function

AVERAGE adds up a set of numbers and divides by how many there are. Use it for average scores, average order value, or a typical monthly bill. Empty cells and text are ignored, but zeros count.

=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], ...)

Arguments

number1
The first number, cell or range to average.
number2
Optional. More numbers, cells or ranges, up to 255 in total.

AVERAGE examples

Every result below was calculated from this sample sheet by the same spreadsheet engine the Cellwise app uses.

ABCD
1StudentQuiz 1Quiz 2Quiz 3
2Ava889279
3Ben74081
4Chloe9589
5Dev677270
  1. =AVERAGE(B2:B5)

    Result: 81

    The class average for Quiz 1.

  2. =AVERAGE(B4:D4)

    Result: 92

    Chloe has no Quiz 3 score. The blank cell is skipped, so this averages just two quizzes.

  3. =AVERAGE(B3:D3)

    Result: 51.666666667

    Ben scored 0 on Quiz 2. A zero is a real number, so it pulls his average down.

  4. =ROUND(AVERAGE(B2:D5),1)

    Result: 73.4

    Average every score in the grid and round to one decimal place.

How to use AVERAGE

  1. Click the cell where you want the average.
  2. Type =AVERAGE(
  3. Select the range of numbers.
  4. Close the bracket and press Enter.

Common AVERAGE mistakes

Expecting blanks to count as zero

AVERAGE skips empty cells. If a missing score should count as 0, type 0 into the cell.

Zeros used as placeholders

A 0 typed in for "not done yet" drags the average down. Leave the cell blank or use AVERAGEIF(range,"<>0").

All cells empty or text

With nothing to average Excel returns #DIV/0!. Wrap it as IFERROR(AVERAGE(...),"") to show a blank.

AVERAGE FAQ

Does AVERAGE in Excel ignore blank cells?

Yes. Empty cells and text are skipped. Cells containing 0 are included in the count.

How do I average without zeros in Excel?

Use =AVERAGEIF(B2:B10,"<>0"). It only averages cells that are not zero.

Why does my AVERAGE formula say #DIV/0!?

The range has no numbers in it, so Excel would be dividing by zero. Check the range or wrap the formula in IFERROR.

What is the difference between AVERAGE and MEDIAN?

AVERAGE is the mean, so one huge value can pull it a long way. MEDIAN is the middle value and is not thrown off by outliers.

Practice AVERAGE in these lessons

Guides that use AVERAGE

Related functions

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