What is the syntax for GEOMEAN in Excel?

The syntax for GEOMEAN is: =GEOMEAN(number1, [number2], ...)

When should I use GEOMEAN instead of AVERAGE?

Use GEOMEAN for multiplicative data like growth rates, returns, or ratios. If investment returns are 10%, -5%, 15%, GEOMEAN gives the true average growth rate. AVERAGE would be misleading because returns compound multiplicatively.

How do I calculate average annual return with GEOMEAN?

Convert returns to growth factors (1+rate), then: =GEOMEAN(factors)-1. For returns of 10%, 20%, -5%: =GEOMEAN(1.1, 1.2, 0.95)-1 = 7.6% average annual return. This accounts for compounding correctly.

Why does GEOMEAN return #NUM! error?

GEOMEAN requires all positive values. Zero or negative numbers cause #NUM! error. For data with zeros, add a small constant or use a different measure. For negative returns, convert to growth factors first (1+return).

Statistical

GEOMEAN Function in Excel

Returns the geometric mean of an array or range of positive data.

Syntax

=GEOMEAN(number1, [number2], ...)

Arguments

number1 (required): First number or range
number2 (optional): Additional numbers or ranges

Examples

=GEOMEAN(A1:A10) - Geometric mean - Result: Mean value

GEOMEAN 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

#NUM! if any value <= 0

Use cases

Growth rates
Financial returns
Index calculations

Frequently asked questions

When should I use GEOMEAN instead of AVERAGE? Use GEOMEAN for multiplicative data like growth rates, returns, or ratios. If investment returns are 10%, -5%, 15%, GEOMEAN gives the true average growth rate. AVERAGE would be misleading because returns compound multiplicatively.
How do I calculate average annual return with GEOMEAN? Convert returns to growth factors (1+rate), then: =GEOMEAN(factors)-1. For returns of 10%, 20%, -5%: =GEOMEAN(1.1, 1.2, 0.95)-1 = 7.6% average annual return. This accounts for compounding correctly.
Why does GEOMEAN return #NUM! error? GEOMEAN requires all positive values. Zero or negative numbers cause #NUM! error. For data with zeros, add a small constant or use a different measure. For negative returns, convert to growth factors first (1+return).

Editorial review

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