Google Sheets AVERAGE Function Explained with Examples

The AVERAGE function in Google Sheets is a simple and widely used tool for calculating the arithmetic mean of a set of numbers. This function simplifies the process of finding the average by summing up the selected values and dividing by the total number of values. Whether you're analyzing grades, financial data, or other numeric datasets, the AVERAGE function is perfect for identifying trends and gaining quick insights. It works seamlessly with ranges, cells, or manually entered values, making it an essential feature for both beginners and advanced users.

What is the AVERAGE Function in Google Sheets

The AVERAGE function in Google Sheets calculates the mean of a range of numbers. It sums all the values in the specified range and divides the result by the total number of values to give you the average.

How it Works:

When you apply the AVERAGE function, you provide a range of cells or individual numbers. Google Sheets adds up all the numbers within that range and divides the total by the number of cells that contain numeric data. This gives you the average value of the range.

Syntax of Google Sheets AVERAGE Function

Here is the syntax of Google Sheets AVERAGE Formula:

=AVERAGE(value1, [value2, ...])

• value1, value2, ...: The numbers or ranges of cells you want to calculate the average for. You can input up to 30 individual values or ranges.

How to Use the AVERAGE Function in Google Sheets

To calculate the average of a range of numbers in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the Cell for the Result

Choose the cell where you want the average result to appear. For example, select cell B2.

Step 2: Identify the Range of Numbers

Decide which range of cells contains the numbers for which you want to calculate the average. For example, A2 to A6.

Step 3: Enter the AVERAGE Formula

In the selected cell (B1), type the formula:

=AVERAGE(A2:A6)

where,

• A1:A5: This is the range of cells that contain the numbers you want to calculate the average for. The colon (:) signifies the range, meaning the function includes all cells from A1 to A5.
• =AVERAGE: This is the function that tells Google Sheets to calculate the average of the numbers in the specified range.

Step 4: Press Enter to Get the Result

Hit Enter to apply the formula. The result in B1 will display the average of the values in A1 to A5.

Also Read:

• Google Sheets AVERAGEIF Function
• Google Sheets AVERAGEIFS Function
• Google Sheets IFS Function

Conclusion

The Google Sheets AVERAGE function is a powerful tool for quickly calculating the mean of a range of numbers. By using the formula =AVERAGE(range), users can easily compute the average of selected data. This function helps in various contexts, such as analyzing performance metrics, summarizing data, and identifying trends. Whether working with small or large data sets, the AVERAGE function simplifies the process and ensures accurate results. Its ease of use and versatility make it an essential function in Google Sheets for both basic and advanced data analysis.