Being an Excel user, you might be aware of the average function. Generally, it takes the sum of all the values and divides them by the number of values. But let’s say you don’t want to take the average of all values, but only some specific ones.
If that’s the case you’re in, it’s best to find an alternate function in Excel that makes this possible. This is where AVERAGEIF function in Excel comes into play.
The AVERAGEIF function in Excel returns the average of cells if they meet certain criteria. The criteria can be applied to data types like dates, numerical values, and text. In this article, we will go through AVERAGEIF and its examples.
What Is the AVERAGEIF Function in Excel?
As mentioned above, Excel's AVERAGE function gives you the AVERAGE of the values in a range of cells if they meet your specified criteria. Here are the Syntax and Arguments for the AVERAGEIF function.
Syntax
=AVERAGEIF(range, criteria, [average_range])
Arguments
- Range: The range of cells that you want to be assessed by this function.
- Criteria: The criteria that decide which cells are taken into consideration for averaging.
- sum range (optional): The range of cells that needs to be averaged together. If you get rid of it, the cells in the range are averaged collectively.
How to Use the AVERAGEIF Function in Excel
Using the AVERAGEIF function is quite similar to using the SUMIF functions in the cells. To use AVERAGEIF, you simply need to click on the cell where you want the function, and type the syntax of the AVERAGEIF function.
Alternatively, you can also use the “Formula bar” box located on the top of columns after selecting the cell; and insert the syntax of the AVERAGEIF function. Using AVERAGEIF function is comparatively easier, and you wouldn’t need a learning curve as well. You might find it difficult at first, but it is actually quite easy.