# AVERAGE: find the mean in Excel

AVERAGE helps summarize a group of numbers, such as daily ticket counts or weekly sales.

## 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.