Calculating the average of a set of numbers in Excel is a piece of cake. All you need is the AVERAGE function. Simply select the range of cells you want to find the average of, type in ‘=AVERAGE’, and hit enter. Voila! You’ll have your average in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Find the Average in Excel
Before we dive into the steps, here’s what you’ll be doing: using the AVERAGE function in Excel to quickly calculate the average of a range of numbers. It’s a simple and efficient way to get the job done.
Step 1: Select the Cells
Click and drag to highlight the cells you want to average.
Selecting the right cells is crucial because Excel will calculate the average of only those numbers. Make sure you include all the data points you want in your calculation.
Step 2: Type the AVERAGE Function
Type ‘=AVERAGE’ into the formula bar.
After selecting the cells, go to the formula bar at the top of your Excel sheet. This is where you will input the AVERAGE function. Make sure to start with an equals sign so Excel knows you’re entering a formula.
Step 3: Enter the Cell Range
Enter the range of cells you selected in step 1.
You’ll need to tell Excel exactly which cells you’re working with. For example, if you’re averaging numbers in cells A1 through A5, you’d type ‘=AVERAGE(A1:A5)’.
Step 4: Press Enter
Hit the enter key to calculate the average.
Once you’ve entered your formula, simply press enter, and Excel will do the math for you. The average of the selected cells will appear where you entered the formula.
After completing these steps, you’ll have the average of your selected numbers. Now you can use this data to analyze trends, make predictions, or report findings.
Tips for Finding the Average in Excel
- Make sure the cells you want to average are all next to each other; otherwise, you’ll have to enter the cell references separately.
- You can also use the AVERAGE function to average numbers that you type directly into the formula. For example, ‘=AVERAGE(2,4,6)’.
- Remember, the AVERAGE function will ignore empty cells and text values in your range.
- If you have outliers or extreme values, consider using the AVERAGEIF or AVERAGEIFS function to exclude them from your calculation.
- Double-check your cell range to make sure you haven’t missed any data points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the AVERAGE function do in Excel?
The AVERAGE function calculates the mean of the numbers in a selected range of cells.
Can the AVERAGE function be used for non-adjacent cells?
Yes, you can average non-adjacent cells by including each cell reference separated by commas within the parentheses.
Will the AVERAGE function include zeros in its calculation?
Yes, zeros are considered numerical values and will be included in the average.
What if I want to exclude certain values from the average?
Use the AVERAGEIF or AVERAGEIFS function to set conditions for the numbers included in your average.
Can I average percentages or times in Excel?
Yes, you can average any numerical value, including percentages and times, using the AVERAGE function.
Summary
- Select the cells containing the numbers to average.
- Type the AVERAGE function into the formula bar.
- Enter the cell range for the average calculation.
- Press enter to see the average.
Conclusion
There you have it! Finding the average in Excel is a straightforward task that can significantly aid in data analysis. Whether you’re crunching numbers for a business report, a research project, or just trying to find the average score of your favorite sports team, Excel’s AVERAGE function is an indispensable tool. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different sets of numbers and ranges to familiarize yourself with the process. With these tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be averaging like a pro in no time. Happy calculating!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.