Excel is a powerful tool for calculating average.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to calculate the average of a list of numbers in Excel.
We will also show you how to use the Average function in Excel.
So, whether you are a student or a business professional, understanding how to calculate average in Excel is essential.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How to Calculate Average in Excel
Suppose this is the dataset we will use for the succeeding methods.
We want to find the average of this particular student’s grades.
Method 1. Using the “Functions” button
Step 1. Open your Excel workbook
Step 2. Click on the cell you want the calculated average to appear
The selected cell should appear with a green border.
Step 3. Click on the “Formulas” menu, then click “Insert function”
The “Formulas” menu is the fourth button in Excel’s menu.
Clicking on it should lead to the following menus:
Click on the “Insert function” option to reveal this dialogue box:
Step 4. Click on the “Average” option
The “Average” option is next to the default “Sum” option.
Click “OK” after selecting the said option.
Step 5. Input the coordinates of your desired cell range
Another dialogue box will appear after you click the “OK” button.
By now, we already know that the coordinates of the cell range are B2:B8.
Simply input this into the “Number 1” blank.
Step 6. Click “OK” again
Clicking the “OK” button should automatically show the average on the selected cell.
Method 2. Using the AVERAGE formula
This method requires you to manually type the AVERAGE formula and the coordinates of the desired cells into the formula bar.
Step 1. Open your Excel workbook
Step 2. Locate your desired cell range’s coordinates
From this example, we can identify that the coordinates of the desired data are from B2 to B8.
Step 3. Click on the cell you want the calculated average to appear
A dark green border should surround the selected cell.
Step 4. Input the AVERAGE formula
Click on the formula bar and input the AVERAGE formula together with the cell range. The formula should look like this:
=AVERAGE(B2:B8)
        Step 5. Click “Enter” on your keyboard
Clicking the “Enter” button on your keyboard should automatically show the average on the cell you initially selected.
Method 3. Using a Quick Preview
This method provides a quick preview of the average of your dataset.
It does not add any data to your spreadsheet.
Step 1. Highlight your desired cells
Click and drag your mouse cursor over the cells with the data you want to average.
Highlighted cells should appear gray with a dark green border.
Step 2. Check the bottom right portion of the sheet
The bottom right part of the sheet will automatically show the average of the cells you highlighted and the count and sum.
Summary
That’s the end of this tutorial.
We hope this article helps you learn how to calculate Average in Excel