Which of the following functions is used to calculate the average of a...
The AVERAGE function is used to calculate the average of a range of cells in Excel.
Which of the following functions is used to calculate the average of a...
Understanding the AVERAGE Function in Excel
In Excel, calculating the average of a range of cells is essential for data analysis. Among the options provided, the correct function for this purpose is:
AVERAGE
What is the AVERAGE Function?
The AVERAGE function is specifically designed to compute the mean of a set of numbers. It sums up all the values in the specified range and divides that sum by the total count of those values.
Syntax of the AVERAGE Function
The syntax of the AVERAGE function is:
excel
=AVERAGE(number1, [number2], ...)
- **number1**: The first number or range.
- **number2**: Optional. Additional numbers or ranges.
How to Use the AVERAGE Function
To calculate the average:
- Select a cell where you want the average to appear.
- Enter the formula, for example:
excel
=AVERAGE(A1:A10)
- Press Enter, and the average of the values in cells A1 through A10 will be displayed.
Comparison with Other Functions
- SUM: Adds all the numbers in a range but does not calculate the average.
- COUNT: Counts the number of cells that contain numbers, not their average.
- MAX: Identifies the highest value in a range, not the average.
Conclusion
In summary, the AVERAGE function is the correct choice for calculating the average of a range of cells in Excel, making it a vital tool for data analysis.