How to calculate the average output using the AVERAGE function
In this example, the output of three production lines has been recorded for several days. Now the average of the three highest outputs of each line has to be calculated. For this task, Excel provides the AVERAGE function, which returns the average, or arithmetic mean, of the arguments. Here is the syntax that is used:
AVERAGE(number1, number2, …)
number1, number2, …: From 1 to 30 numeric arguments for which you want to determine the average. It is also possible to use a cell reference, as shown in this example.
To calculate the average of the three highest capacities of each production line:
- In cells B2:D10 type the output of each machine.
- Select cells B13:D13 and type the following formula: =AVERAGE(LARGE(B$2:B$10,1),LARGE(B$2:B$10,2),LARGE(B$2:B$10,3)).
- Press Ctrl+Enter.
This tip is compatible with Excel 97, 2000, 2003 and 2007.
