Calculating the average in Excel is a breeze once you know the ropes. Whether you’re averaging grades, sales, or any other numbers, Excel has got you covered with its built-in AVERAGE function. You just need to select the cells you want to average, and with a few clicks, Excel does the math for you. Ready to crunch those numbers? Let’s dive in!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Get Average in Excel
Before we begin, let’s clarify what we’re about to do. We’re going to use the AVERAGE function in Excel to calculate the mean of a set of numbers. This function adds up all the numbers and then divides by the count of those numbers. It’s a handy tool when you want to find a central value in your data.
Step 1: Open Your Excel Spreadsheet
Open the Excel spreadsheet that contains the data you want to average.
Opening your Excel spreadsheet is the starting point. Make sure you have all the data you want to average ready in the spreadsheet. This will save you time and ensure you don’t miss any numbers.
Step 2: Select the Cells You Want to Average
Click and drag to highlight the cells that contain the numbers you want to average.
Be careful to select only the cells with the numbers you need. If you accidentally include a cell without a number or with irrelevant data, it could mess up your average.
Step 3: Click on the Formulas Tab
Navigate to the Formulas tab at the top of Excel.
The Formulas tab is where all the magic happens. This is where you’ll find all sorts of functions to perform different calculations on your data.
Step 4: Click on ‘More Functions’
In the Function Library group, click on ‘More Functions’ and then hover over ‘Statistical’.
Excel has a whole bunch of statistical functions, but for calculating average, we’re interested in one in particular.
Step 5: Select ‘AVERAGE’ from the List
From the dropdown list, select ‘AVERAGE’.
The AVERAGE function is what you need to find that central value we talked about earlier. It’s a simple yet powerful tool.
After completing the steps above, Excel will display the average of the selected cells in the cell where you entered the function. It’s a quick way to gain insights into your data.
Tips on How to Get Average in Excel
- Make sure all cells you’re averaging are numeric and don’t contain any errors or text.
- If you have empty cells, Excel will ignore them in the average calculation.
- Use the AVERAGEIF or AVERAGEIFS function to average cells that meet certain criteria.
- Remember that the average can be skewed by extremely high or low values, so consider using the median for a more central value.
- You can also calculate the average manually by using the SUM function to add up all the numbers and then dividing by the count of those numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have empty cells in the range I want to average?
Excel will ignore empty cells when calculating the average with the AVERAGE function.
Can I average non-adjacent cells?
Yes, you can average non-adjacent cells by holding the ‘Ctrl’ key and clicking each cell you want to include.
How do I average cells with specific criteria?
Use the AVERAGEIF or AVERAGEIFS function to average cells that meet certain conditions you set.
Can I average cells based on the color of the cell or font?
No, Excel’s AVERAGE function does not consider the color of the cell or font. You would need to use VBA or a third-party add-in for that.
What is the difference between the AVERAGE and MEDIAN functions?
The AVERAGE function calculates the mean of a set of numbers, while the MEDIAN function finds the middle number in a set of numbers.
Summary
- Open your Excel spreadsheet.
- Select the cells to average.
- Click on the Formulas tab.
- Click on ‘More Functions’ and hover over ‘Statistical’.
- Choose the AVERAGE function.
Conclusion
Excel is a powerful tool that can simplify your data analysis, and knowing how to get the average in Excel is a fundamental skill that can help you in many situations. Whether you’re in school, running a business, or just trying to organize personal data, the ability to quickly calculate an average can save you time and give you meaningful insights. Remember to use the tips provided to ensure your average calculation is accurate and reflects what you need from your data. And don’t forget, if you have specific criteria for your data, the AVERAGEIF and AVERAGEIFS functions are there to help you out. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be an Excel averaging pro!
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.