To calculate the arithmetic mean in Excel, use the AVERAGE function. It adds the numeric values in a range and divides by the number of numeric values included in the calculation.
How to Find the Mean in Excel
Step 1: Select an empty cell
Click the cell where you want the mean to appear.
Step 2: Enter the AVERAGE formula
Type a formula such as =AVERAGE(B2:B10). Replace B2:B10 with the range containing your data.
Step 3: Press Enter
Excel calculates the arithmetic mean and displays the result in the formula cell.
What Excel Includes in AVERAGE
When you reference cells, AVERAGE evaluates numeric values and generally ignores empty cells and text. A cell containing the numeric value zero is different from a blank cell: zero participates in the average.
Mean Versus Median
The arithmetic mean can be strongly affected by unusually high or low values. If you need the middle value after sorting the data, use MEDIAN instead. The best statistic depends on what the data represents.
Average Several Separate Cells
You can also supply multiple references, such as =AVERAGE(B2,B5,B9), or combine ranges and individual values. Excel will calculate the mean of the numeric arguments.
Additional Information
If the result seems wrong, check for numbers stored as text, unintended zeros, filtered data, or cells outside the selected range. Also decide whether a simple arithmetic mean is appropriate or whether your situation requires a weighted average.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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