AVERAGE Function
Purpose
Returns the arithmetic mean ($\bar{x} = \frac{\sum x}{n}$) of its arguments.
Syntax
EXCEL
=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], ...)
Arguments Breakdown
| Argument | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
number1 |
Required | The first number, cell reference, or range for which you want the average. |
number2, ... |
Optional | Additional numbers, cell references, or ranges (up to 255 arguments). |
Practical Examples
1. Column Average
EXCEL
=AVERAGE(B3:B12)
2. Capstone Call Center Metric: Average Speed of Answer
EXCEL
=AVERAGE(CallData[Speed of Answer in Seconds])
Critical Rules & Behavior
- Text & Blank Cells: Cells containing text strings, boolean values, or completely blank cells are ignored (they do not count toward the numerator OR the denominator $n$).
- Zero Cells: Cells containing
0are included in the average (reducing the resulting mean). If zero represents missing data rather than a true zero reading, use=AVERAGEIF(range, ">0"). - Division by Zero: If all cells in the range are blank or contain non-numeric data,
=AVERAGE()returns a#DIV/0!error.
Related Knowledge
- Notes: 02 Statistical and Aggregation Functions
- Workbook:
11_Demos_and_Workbooks/03_Formulas_and_Functions/Formulas_&_Functions_Part_1.xlsx(Sheet:Arithmetic and statistical)