Method 1 – Using the AVERAGEIF Function in Excel
STEPS:
- We need to create a dataset. We have some students’ names and their marks for a subject. We want to compute the average of those students’ marks. Some of the students were absent during the exam period that’s why they have the #N/A value in their mark column.
- Select cell C12 and enter the formula :
=AVERAGE(C5:C10)- Press Enter.
- Unfortunately, we will get a #N/A error.
- To avoid this, we are using the AVERAGEIF function.
- Choose cell C12 and insert the formula:
=AVERAGEIF(C5:C10, ">=0")- Press Enter.
You will get the accurate average value without any errors.
Read More: [Fixed!] AVERAGE Formula Not Working in Excel
Method 2 – Using the Excel AGGREGATE Function for Ignoring #N/A Error Values
STEPS:
- Use the same dataset as the previous method.
- Select cell C12 and enter the following formula:
=AVERAGE(C5:C10)- Press Enter.
We get an error #N/A.
- Use the AGGREGATE function to prevent this.
- Choose cell C12 and enter the formula below:
=AGGREGATE(1,6,C5:C10)- Press Enter.
- You will obtain the average number accurately and without error.
Read More: How to Fix Divide by Zero Error for Average Calculation in Excel
Method 3 – Combining IFERROR and AVERAGEIF Functions to Avoid Error When Getting Average
STEPS:
- We want to determine those students’ average grades. Some students missed the exam session, so their mark column has a #N/A value.
- Use the AVERAGE function to determine the average.
- Choose cell C12 and enter the following formula:
=AVERAGE(D5:D10)- Press Enter.
- Unfortunately, we will encounter an error of #N/A.
- We can prevent this by combining the IFERROR and AVERAGE functions.
- Choose cell C12 and enter the following formula:
=IFERROR(AVERAGEIF($D5:$D10,"<>#N/A"),"")- Press Enter.
- You will have an accurate average number.
Method 4 – Merging the AVERAGE and IFNA Functions to Ignore #N/A Error in Excel
STEPS:
- Use the same dataset.
- Select the cell C12 and enter the following formula:
=AVERAGE(C5:C10)- Press Enter.
- But we get an error.
- We are applying the AVERAGE & IFNA functions to prevent this.
- Choose cell C12 and enter the following formula:
=AVERAGE(IFNA(D5:D10, ""))- Press Enter.
- You will get the precise average.
Method 5 – Using a Combination of AVERAGE, IF & ISERROR Functions
STEPS:
- Use the same dataset.
- Select the cell C12 and enter the following formula:
=AVERAGE(C5:C10)- Press Enter.
- But an error occurs.
- To avoid this, we are using the combination of AVERAGE, IF & ISERROR functions.
- Choose cell C12 and enter the following formula:
=AVERAGE(IF(ISERROR(D5:D10),"",D5:D10))- Press Enter.
- You will arrive at an accurate average.
Things to Keep in Mind
- While inputting any function, the function name must be enclosed in empty brackets. If not, Excel will fail to identify it as a function.
- Alternatively, we can enter the value #N/A into a cell. For compatibility with other spreadsheet programs.
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- How to Average Every Nth Row in Excel
Hi there, why would the =IFERROR(AVERAGEIF($D5:$D10,”#N/A”),””) need a dollar sign before the column?
Hello Liz,
You can avoid the absolute reference ($ sign). Here absolute reference is used so that it can avoid error if anyone copy the formula in another cell.
Regards
ExcelDemy