Averaging a column in Google Sheets is a simple task that can be accomplished in just a few clicks. By using the built-in ‘AVERAGE’ function, you can quickly calculate the mean value of a range of numbers in your spreadsheet. This is a handy tool for anyone looking to analyze data, whether for personal or professional use.
Step by Step Tutorial to Average a Column in Google Sheets
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand that by following this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use the AVERAGE function in Google Sheets to calculate the average of a set of numbers in a specific column.
Step 1: Open your Google Sheets document
Open the Google Sheets document containing the column you want to average.
Opening your Google Sheets document is the first step, and it’s as easy as navigating to the Google Sheets website and selecting the document you need.
Step 2: Click on the cell where you want the average to appear
Select the cell at the bottom of the column or any cell where you want the average value to be displayed.
Choosing the right cell for your average to appear is crucial. It’s typically at the bottom of the column you’re averaging, but it can be anywhere that’s convenient for you.
Step 3: Type ‘=AVERAGE(‘
With the cell selected, type in ‘=AVERAGE(‘ to start inputting the function.
Typing ‘=AVERAGE(‘ begins the process of telling Google Sheets precisely what calculation you want to perform.
Step 4: Highlight the cells in the column you want to average
Click and drag to highlight all the cells in the column that you want to include in the average.
When you highlight the cells, make sure you’re only selecting the cells with the numbers you want to average. Avoid any headers, labels, or empty cells.
Step 5: Close the parenthesis and hit Enter
After highlighting the desired cells, close the parenthesis by typing ‘)’ and press Enter.
Once you hit Enter, Google Sheets will calculate the average of the numbers you’ve selected, and the result will appear in the cell you chose.
After completing these steps, you’ll see the average value of the selected cells appear in the cell where you entered the formula. This average will update automatically if you change any of the numbers in the column.
Tips for Averaging a Column in Google Sheets
- If your column has empty cells or text, the AVERAGE function will ignore these and only calculate the numerical values.
- Double-check the range of cells you’re averaging to ensure you haven’t included any irrelevant data.
- If you want to include cells with logical values (TRUE or FALSE), use the AVERAGEA function instead.
- Use the ‘fill handle’ to drag the AVERAGE formula down to other cells if you want to average multiple columns quickly.
- Remember that the AVERAGE function can also be used to calculate the mean of specific numbers, not just cell ranges – just separate the numbers with commas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if there are non-numerical values in my column?
The AVERAGE function will ignore non-numerical values, such as text or blank cells, and only calculate the average of the numerical values.
Can I average multiple columns at once?
Yes, you can average multiple columns by selecting a range of cells across different columns when inputting your AVERAGE function.
What’s the difference between AVERAGE and AVERAGEA?
AVERAGEA includes cells with logical values (TRUE or FALSE) and text representations of numbers in its calculation, while AVERAGE does not.
Can I use the AVERAGE function with rows instead of columns?
Absolutely! The AVERAGE function works with any range of cells, whether they’re in a row or a column.
How do I apply the AVERAGE function to non-adjacent cells?
You can average non-adjacent cells by typing the individual cell references separated by commas inside the AVERAGE function parentheses.
Summary
- Open your Google Sheets document.
- Click on the cell for the average to appear.
- Type ‘=AVERAGE(‘.
- Highlight the column cells to average.
- Close the parenthesis and hit Enter.
Conclusion
Averaging a column in Google Sheets is a breeze once you get the hang of it. With the simple steps outlined above, anyone can quickly calculate the mean value of a set of data. Whether you’re a student, a data analyst, or just someone crunching numbers for a personal project, knowing how to perform this basic function is a valuable skill in your digital tool belt.
Beyond the practicality of the AVERAGE function, Google Sheets offers a plethora of other formulas and tools to help you make the most of your data. Take the time to explore these, and you’ll find that with a little creativity and some spreadsheet savvy, you can unlock insights and efficiencies you never knew were possible.
Remember, data analysis isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about telling a story. By mastering functions like AVERAGE, you’re one step closer to bringing your data narratives to life. So why not dive in and see what stories your numbers have to tell?
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.