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

About 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 first argument is necessary. 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 skew in your formula’s results by entering zeros in empty cells, if you want to 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

A simple button is one of the easiest methods to input the formula for 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 lists in the 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.

We can calculate the average of numbers 10, 20, 30, 40 using this formula:

=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, then follow it with 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

You might want to find the average for a set of cells, or groups of them. By selecting and entering ranges separated using commas, you can accomplish this.

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’ll receive the result.

This next formula will calculate the average cell ranges for 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, B6, and B6, and also the C2 and D2 values. The numbers 10 and 15 will be calculated using the same formula:

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

You can also use the same formulas as the ones above by selecting cells and then typing in 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 It is great if your goal is to determine the mean of the data, but not necessarily the average. The Status Bar will display the average. You can choose the cells to be calculated and scroll down to the bottom.

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. These methods will get you the results that you want without having to reach for your calculator.

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