The AVERAGE function performs the average of the specified set of data. It simplifies the process of adding all of the indicated cells and the dividing it by the total number of cells. The syntax for the AVERAGE fuction is as follows.

=AVERAGE(first value, second value, etc.)

For instance, if we have the following data set given above, the AVERAGE function would be:

=AVERAGE(C1:C4)

To perform an AVERAGE function, follow the steps below:

• Click in the cell that you want the AVERAGE to be performed (in the above example that will be cell C5).
• Click on the fx button (function button) in the top toolbar.
• Select the Statistical category and click on AVERAGE in the Function name area.

• Click on the OK button.
• Excel will automatically assume you want to average a certain row of cells or columns. If this is the row or column you want averaged, click the OK button. If not, click and drag across the cells you want to include in the average and click OK.
• The AVERAGE score of the range of cells should now appear in the designated cell (in this example "71.25" is shown in cell C5).