Average number

Excel offers some great features to work with numbers. Averaging numbers is one such task. The AVERAGE function can average numbers, taking up to 255 arguments individually. This allows it to work on large databases. In this tutorial, we will learn how to average numbers in Excel.

Figure 1. Example of how to Average Numbers

Formula

=AVERAGE(range)

Process

This formula works in a very straightforward way. The AVERAGE function is automatic. It takes the only argument range. Here, we will provide a range of cells, Excel will average the numbers and return the result. If the cells are non-adjacent, we can provide individual cell references in the format =AVERAGE (num1, [num2]...).

Setting up Data

The following data set contains a student information data. Column A, B and C has the name, ID and ages of the students.

Figure 2. The Sample Data Set

To get the average age in column E, we need to:

• Go to cell E4.
• Assign the formula =AVERAGE(C2:C6) to E4.
• Press Enter.

This will average the age and return the result 9 to E4.

Figure 3. Applying the Formula

Notes

1. Average does not count the blank cells and text included in the database.
2. It includes zero values.
3. Average can take numbers in any form, i.e. array or range from.

The AVERAGE function is a great way to quickly average numbers in Excel. It offers great flexibility to the users. Working with large databases are made very simple by AVERAGE.  

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Are you still looking for help with the Average function? View our comprehensive round-up of Average function tutorials here.