Average, Median & Mode
Free Average, Median & Mode: use =AVERAGE(range), for example =AVERAGE(A1:A10), or =AVERAGEIF(range, criteria) to average only matching rows.
n = 7 · Sum = 103.00 · Min = 9.00 · Max = 21.00
7 values
How it works
In Excel or Google Sheets, use =AVERAGE(range), for example =AVERAGE(A1:A10), or =AVERAGEIF(range, criteria) to average only matching rows.
Put your numbers in a single range.
In a blank cell type =AVERAGE( and select the range.
Press Enter; format decimals as you like.
For a conditional average use =AVERAGEIF(range, criteria) or AVERAGEIFS for several conditions.
What this does
AVERAGE adds the numbers in a range and divides by how many there are, ignoring blank and text cells (unlike a manual SUM/COUNT, which you would have to guard yourself). It is the arithmetic mean — the single value that best represents the centre of a tidy data set, though a few extreme values can drag it, which is when MEDIAN is the better choice.
A worked example
For the scores 12, 15, 9, 21, 17, 14 in A1:A6, =AVERAGE(A1:A6) returns 14.67. To average only passing scores, =AVERAGEIF(A1:A6,">=10") ignores the 9 and returns 15.8. If one score were a typo of 210, the average would leap to 47 — a reminder to check for outliers. The average is the first summary anyone asks for — typical sales, mean score, average response time. Knowing when it lies (skewed data, hidden blanks) is what separates a quick number from a trustworthy one.
Common mistakes
- Including blank cells you meant to count as zero —
AVERAGEignores blanks, changing the divisor. - Letting a single outlier skew the mean; check with
MEDIANwhen data is lopsided. - Averaging an already-averaged column (an average of averages) instead of the raw values.
- Counting text cells as zeros —
AVERAGEskips them, which may not be what you intend.
FAQ
Average vs median?
The average (mean) uses every value and is pulled by extremes; the median is the middle value and resists outliers. Use median for skewed data like incomes or house prices.
Does AVERAGE count blank cells?
No. Blanks are ignored, so they do not lower the result. If a blank should count as zero, replace it with 0 first.
How do I average with a condition?
AVERAGEIF takes one condition; AVERAGEIFS takes several across different columns.
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