AVERAGE: find the mean in Excel

Syntax

=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], …)

A simple example

=AVERAGE(B2:B4)

With values 8, 10, and 12, AVERAGE returns 10: the sum divided by three numeric entries.

What to watch for

Zero is a number and counts toward the average. Empty cells and text in a referenced range are ignored, so check what missing data means before calculating.

Build confidence with practice

Try the guided exercise in Sheetstep, then change a number in the practice workbook and observe the result. Use the skills quiz to check what you remember.