Microsoft Excel: How to Calculate and Find Mean

Microsoft Excel is a great tool for finding the average mean across a range of numbers. It takes just minutes to do this quickly. The AVERAGE function can be used to calculate an average arithmetic means using a simple formula.

Here are some examples that will show you how to use the AVERAGE function. They can be used to accommodate almost any item data set They will assist you with data analysis.

What does it mean?

A statistical term that is used to explain numbers, the mean can be described in one of three ways: There are three ways to calculate the mean: the geometric mean, harmonic mean and the arithmetic one.

In this tutorial we will show you how to calculate the arithmetic mean Which is commonly known in maths as the average.

=(2+4+6+8)/4

=20/4

=5

The AVERAGE Function

Excel considers the AVERAGE function to be an integral part of Excel A summary function, It allows you to determine the average value for any set of values.

For the formula, the syntax is: “AVERAGE (value1, value2 ,…)”) where the first argument will be required. Up to 255 numbers can be included as cell references or ranges.

It is possible to use a mixture of numbers, references, and ranges within the formula.

When using the AVERAGE function, remember that empty cells will not be the same as those with zeros. You can avoid getting a distorted formula by entering zeros in empty cells, unless the desired value is zero.

You might also get incorrect results from text values, so make sure you only use them Numeric values are best In the cell references in the formula. Alternative options include the Excel’s AVERAGEA function .

Let’s take a look at some Excel examples of how to calculate mean using the AVERAGE function.

You can use the Sum Button for Average Numbers

It is easy to use a button to enter the formula of the AVERAGE function. Excel recognizes the numbers that you are using and will give you an easy mean calculation.

1. Choose the cell in which you would like the average (mean) to be displayed.
2. Click here Home Click on the tab to open it Sum Drop-down menu in Editing The ribbon is divided into sections.
3. Choose Average You can find the complete list here.

4. Excel will show you the formula and what Excel thinks you should calculate.

5. Use this if you believe it is true Enter or Return To accept the formula and see your final result.

The following options can be used to adjust the suggested formula if the original is incorrect.

Use the average function to create a formula

You can create manually the formula for AVERAGE for numbers, reference, ranges and combinations using the syntax that was described previously.

Make a formula for numbers

You can simply enter the values you are looking for in the formula by entering them as arguments. Separate the numbers using commas.

This formula calculates the average value for each number 10, 20, 30, or 40:

=AVERAGE(10,20,30,40)

Use Enter or Return To receive the result, enter the formula in the cell. This example uses 25.

With Cell References, create a Formula

You can choose to select cells or use the type option to get the average of the values within each cell cell references In the formula.

We’ll use this formula to calculate the average cell count for B2, 4, B6, B6 and B8 Enter or Return: :

=AVERAGE(B2,B4,B6,B8)

The equal sign, the function and the opening parenthesis can be typed. Simply select the cells you wish to include in the formula, and then add the closing paraenthesis. You can also type cell references using a comma.

Once again, your formula will be immediately visible in the cell where it is stored.

A Formula to Calculate Cell Ranges

Perhaps you need the mean value for a group of cells, or a set of ranges. This can be done by entering or selecting the ranges separated with commas.

The following formula can be used to calculate the average cell B2 through D6:

=AVERAGE(B2:B6)

You can enter the function, equal sign and opening parenthesis here. Next, select the range of cells to add it to the formula. You can also enter the range manually, if desired.

Then you will receive your results.

This next formula will calculate the average cell range B2 to B6 as well as D2 to D6 using the following formula:

=AVERAGE(B2:B6,D2:D6)

Your formula is then saved to your computer.

A formula for the combination of values

One final example: You might need to find the average for any combination of numbers, cells and ranges.

We’ll use this formula to calculate the average cell B2 through C6, D2 and E2, and then the numbers 10, 15 and 15, respectively:

=AVERAGE(B2:B6,C2,D2,10,15)

As with the previous formulas, it is possible to use both selecting the cells as well as typing the numbers.

The closing parenthesis should be added Enter or Return Follow the instructions to calculate your final result.

Take a look at the Average

One more Excel tip that is worth noting This is ideal for finding the mean, but not necessarily placing the average formula in your spreadsheet. Select the cells that you wish to calculate, and then look at the Status Bar for Average.

First, ensure that you enable the calculation. Double-click on the Status Bar, located below the tab row. Click OK to confirm Average It is being checked.

Simply select the cells that you wish to average, and then look at the Status Bar to see the final result.

Excel’s AVERAGE function comes in handy when you have to determine the mean. You don’t need to reach for your calculator to find the right result. Simply use any of these methods.

See the following tutorials for similar topics Excel: How to Use the AVERAGEIFS Function You can combine multiple criteria to average values.