What is the syntax for AVERAGEA in Excel?

The syntax for AVERAGEA is: =AVERAGEA(value1, [value2], ...)

What are common errors with AVERAGEA?

Text values count as 0, which can lower the average

What is AVERAGEA in Excel and how does it work?

AVERAGEA calculates the average of values including text and logical values. The syntax is =AVERAGEA(value1, [value2], ...). Text and FALSE are counted as 0, TRUE is counted as 1. For example, =AVERAGEA(1, 2, TRUE) returns 1.333 because TRUE counts as 1.

What is the difference between AVERAGE and AVERAGEA?

AVERAGE ignores text and logical values, only averaging numbers. AVERAGEA includes all values: text and FALSE = 0, TRUE = 1. Use AVERAGE when you want to ignore non-numeric data. Use AVERAGEA when you want to include text/logical values in your calculation.

Why does AVERAGEA give different results than AVERAGE?

AVERAGEA includes text and logical values (text = 0, FALSE = 0, TRUE = 1), which can lower or raise the average. AVERAGE ignores these values entirely. For example, if you have [1, 2, "text"], AVERAGE returns 1.5 but AVERAGEA returns 1 (because "text" counts as 0).

When should I use AVERAGEA?

Use AVERAGEA when analyzing mixed data where text responses or boolean values should be included in calculations. Common uses include survey data with text responses, datasets with TRUE/FALSE flags that should count as 1/0, and mixed data analysis where all values should contribute to the average.

How do I handle empty cells with AVERAGEA?

AVERAGEA treats empty cells as 0, which can significantly affect your average. If you want to exclude empty cells, use AVERAGE instead, or use =AVERAGEA(IF(range<>"", range)) as an array formula. Be aware that AVERAGEA will include zeros from empty cells in its calculation.

Statistical

AVERAGEA Function in Excel

Calculates the average of values including text and logical values. Text and FALSE = 0, TRUE = 1.

Syntax

=AVERAGEA(value1, [value2], ...)

Arguments

value1 (required): First value or range
value2 (optional): Additional values or ranges

Examples

=AVERAGEA(1, 2, TRUE) - Average with TRUE (=1) - Result: 1.333
=AVERAGEA(1, 2, "text") - Average with text (=0) - Result: 1
=AVERAGEA(A1:A10) - Average including all value types - Result: Average value

AVERAGEA for data analysis

Confirm whether you need entire columns, filtered subsets, or distinct values.
Use [COUNTIFS](/functions/countifs/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/) for multi-criteria metrics.
Pivot tables complement single-cell statistical formulas for exploration.

Common errors

Text values count as 0, which can lower the average

Use cases

Mixed data analysis
Survey data with text responses
Boolean data averaging

Frequently asked questions

What is AVERAGEA in Excel and how does it work? AVERAGEA calculates the average of values including text and logical values. The syntax is =AVERAGEA(value1, [value2], ...). Text and FALSE are counted as 0, TRUE is counted as 1. For example, =AVERAGEA(1, 2, TRUE) returns 1.333 because TRUE counts as 1.
What is the difference between AVERAGE and AVERAGEA? AVERAGE ignores text and logical values, only averaging numbers. AVERAGEA includes all values: text and FALSE = 0, TRUE = 1. Use AVERAGE when you want to ignore non-numeric data. Use AVERAGEA when you want to include text/logical values in your calculation.
Why does AVERAGEA give different results than AVERAGE? AVERAGEA includes text and logical values (text = 0, FALSE = 0, TRUE = 1), which can lower or raise the average. AVERAGE ignores these values entirely. For example, if you have [1, 2, "text"], AVERAGE returns 1.5 but AVERAGEA returns 1 (because "text" counts as 0).
When should I use AVERAGEA? Use AVERAGEA when analyzing mixed data where text responses or boolean values should be included in calculations. Common uses include survey data with text responses, datasets with TRUE/FALSE flags that should count as 1/0, and mixed data analysis where all values should contribute to the average.
How do I handle empty cells with AVERAGEA? AVERAGEA treats empty cells as 0, which can significantly affect your average. If you want to exclude empty cells, use AVERAGE instead, or use =AVERAGEA(IF(range<>"", range)) as an array formula. Be aware that AVERAGEA will include zeros from empty cells in its calculation.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.