Math
Averaging a column of numbers
Definition
Averaging a column of numbers means giving AVERAGE that column so it returns the mean.
Syntax
=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], ...)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
number1 |
The column of numbers, such as B2:B4. |
number2, ... |
Optional extra values or ranges that join the same mean. |
Worked example
A lab logs sample weights in B2:B4.
| A: Sample | B: Weight |
|---|---|
| S1 | 10 |
| S2 | 20 |
| S3 | 15 |
Formula: =AVERAGE(B2:B4)
Result: 15. 10 + 20 + 15 is 45, and 45 divided by 3 is 15.
Practice
Cells A2:A4 hold 4, 8, and 6. In B2, write a formula that returns the mean of those numbers.
- In B2, write an AVERAGE formula for A2:A4.
- B2 should show the mean of A2:A4.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =AVERAGE(A2:A4) in B2.
(4 + 8 + 6) / 3 is 6.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
B2 uses AVERAGE.
B2 now shows 6.
The next lesson is Averaging a list of scores.
Related functions
AVERAGE is the function that returns the mean of that column.
Common mistake
Using SUM instead, as in =SUM(B2:B4): that returns 45, the total, not the mean 15.