How to Find and Calculate Mean in Microsoft Excel
We explain in a nice way
If you’re tasked with calculating mean for a group of numbers, you can do so in just minutes using Microsoft Excel. With the AVERAGE function, you can find the arithmetic mean, which is average, using a simple formula.
We’ll show you several examples of how you can use the AVERAGE function to do this. These can accommodate most any data set and will help with your data analysis.
What is Mean?
Mean is a statistical term used to explain a set of numbers and has three forms. You can calculate the arithmetic mean, geometric mean, or harmonic mean.
For this tutorial, we’ll explain how to calculate thearithmetic meanwhich is known in math as the average.
To obtain the result, yousum your group of valuesand divide the result by the number of values. As an example, you can use these equations to find the average, or mean, for numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8:
=(2+4+6+8)/4
=20/4
=5
As you can see, you first add 2, 4, 6, and 8 to receive the total of 20. Then, divide that total by 4, which is the number of values you just summed. This gives you a mean of 5.
About the AVERAGE Function
In Excel, the AVERAGE function is considered a summary function, and it allows you to find the mean for a set of values.
The syntax for the formula is “AVERAGE(value1, value2,…)” where the first argument is required. You can include up to 255 numbers, cell references, or ranges as arguments.
You also have the flexibility to include a combination of numbers, references, or ranges in the formula.
Something to keep in mind when using the AVERAGE function is that blank cells are not the same as cells with zeros. To avoid skewing your formula’s result, enter zeros in any empty cells if the intended value there is zero.
Text values can give you incorrect results as well, so be sure to onlyuse numeric valuesin the cells referenced in the formula. As an alternative, you can check out theAVERAGEA function in Excel.
Let’s look at some examples for calculating mean with the AVERAGE function in Excel.
Use the Sum Button to Average Numbers
One of the easiest ways to enter the formula for the AVERAGE function is using a simple button. Excel is smart enough to recognize the numbers you want to use, giving you a quick mean calculation.
If the suggested formula isn’t correct, you can adjust it using one of the options below.
Create a Formula With the AVERAGE Function
Using the syntax described earlier, you can manually create the formula for the AVERAGE function for numbers, references, ranges, and combinations.
If you want to enter the numbers that you want the mean for, you simply type them into the formula as arguments. Be sure to separate the numbers with commas.
Using this formula, we’ll get the average for numbers 10, 20, 30, and 40:
=AVERAGE(10,20,30,40)
UseEnterorReturnto receive your result in the cell with the formula, which for this example is 25.
To obtain the mean for values in cells, you can either select the cells or type thecell referencesin the formula.
Here, we’ll get the average for cells B2, B4, B6, and B8 with this formula followed byEnterorReturn:
=AVERAGE(B2,B4,B6,B8)
You can type the equal sign, function and opening parenthesis. Then, just select each cell to place it into the formula and add the closing parenthesis. Alternatively, you can type the cell references with a comma between each.
Again, you’ll immediately see your result in the cell containing the formula.
Maybe you want the mean for a range of cells or groups of ranges. You can do this by selecting or entering the ranges separated by commas.
With the following formula, you can calculate the average for cells B2 through D6:
=AVERAGE(B2:B6)
Here, you can type the equal sign, function and opening parenthesis, then simply select the cell range to pop it into the formula. Again, you can enter the range manually if you prefer.
You’ll then receive your result.
Using this next formula, you can calculate the average for the cell ranges B2 through B6 and D2 through D6:
=AVERAGE(B2:B6,D2:D6)
You’ll then receive your result in the cell with the formula.
For one final example, you might want to calculate the mean for a combination of ranges, cells, and numbers.
Here, we’ll find the average for cells B2 through B6, C2 and D2, and the numbers 10 and 15 using this formula:
=AVERAGE(B2:B6,C2,D2,10,15)
Just like the formulas above, you can use a mixture of selecting the cells and typing the numbers.
Add the closing parenthesis, useEnterorReturnto apply the formula, and then view your result.
View the Average at a Glance
One moreExcel tip worth mentioningis ideal if you want to find the mean but not necessarily place the average formula and result in your spreadsheet. You can select the cells you want to calculate and look down at the Status Bar for the Average.
First, make sure you have the calculation enabled. Right-click the Status Bar (below the tab row) and confirm thatAverageis checked.
Then, simply select the cells you want to average and look to the Status Bar for the result.
When you need to find the mean in Excel, the AVERAGE function saves the day. You don’t have to dig out your calculator, just use one of these methods to get the result you need.
For related tutorials, look athow to use the AVERAGEIFS function in Excelfor averaging values with multiple criteria.
Sandy Writtenhouse is a freelance technology writer and former Project, Department, and Program Manager. She turned her education, job experience, and love of technology into a full-time writing career. With all sorts of gadgets in her home and her hands, she seeks to help others make life easier through technology.Read Sandy’s Full Bio
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