What it does
AVERAGE returns the arithmetic mean of numbers.
Syntax or pattern
=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], ...)✅
5 practical examples
1
Average scores
Calculate the average score in a range.
=AVERAGE(B2:B100)Blanks are ignored.
2
Average table column
Average order value.
=AVERAGE(Orders[Amount])Structured references are readable.
3
Average across months
Average monthly values in a row.
=AVERAGE(B2:M2)Good for monthly performance reports.
4
Avoid errors
Return blank if the average fails.
=IFERROR(AVERAGE(B2:B100),"")Useful when a range may have no numbers.
5
Average visible rows
Average only filtered rows.
=SUBTOTAL(101,B2:B100)Function 101 averages visible values.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Selecting ranges with different sizes.
- Using text values where numbers are required.
- Forgetting how blanks and hidden rows are treated.
Related Excel examples
FAQ
Can this formula use Excel Tables?
Yes. Structured references often make summary formulas easier to read.