[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
In descriptive statistics, the statistics used to describe a variable or set of values usually focus on two aspects related to distribution: central tendency and dispersion. The mean, median, and mode are three measures commonly used to describe a dataset\u2019s central tendency. Each one represents a different type of \u201caverage\u201d or \u201cmiddle\u201d value and is more appropriate for specific circumstances and data types.<\/p>\n
In this guide, you will learn about the three central tendency measures: mean (average), median, and mode. You will learn what each one is and what it tells you about the distribution of values in your dataset. You will also learn how to calculate them and how to use Google Sheets to find them. Finally, you have examples of each statistic.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”what-is-the-difference-between-mean-medi” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
While all three describe a dataset\u2019s central tendency, each measures a different aspect. In the next sections, you will learn about each central tendency statistic, when it’s appropriate to use them, how to calculate them, and how to use Google Sheets to calculate them for you.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”what-is-the-mean-of-a-dataset” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
The arithmetic mean or average is probably the central tendency measure that most people are familiar with. Usually referred to as the average rather than the arithmetic mean, it is a popular measure in any field where statistics are considered important, like finance, academic performance, or sports.<\/p>\n
To calculate the mean of a dataset, simply add up all the values and divide by the number of values. You can only calculate the mean for numerical values, as it involves addition and division.<\/p>\n
Use the following formula to calculate the arithmetic mean, represented by x\u0304 (x bar).<\/p>\n
\nx\u0304 = (x1 + x2 +\u2026xn) \/ n<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
How to find mean in Google Sheets<\/h3>\n
You can find the mean easily in Google Sheets by using the AVERAGE function.<\/p>\n
1.<\/strong> Open Google Sheets to the file with your dataset.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mean-google-sheets-test-score-dataset.png” alt=”How to find mean in Google Sheets \u2014 Student ID and Test Score columns with 15 scores and cell C1 selected” title_text=”Student ID and Test Score columns with 15 scores and cell C1 selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
2.<\/strong> In an empty cell, type in the AVERAGE formula.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mean-google-sheets-type-average.png” alt=”How to find mean in Google Sheets \u2014 =AVERAGE( typed in cell D2 under Mean with the AVERAGE(value1, [value2, …]) hint” title_text=”=AVERAGE( typed in cell D2 under Mean with the AVERAGE(value1, [value2, …]) hint” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
3.<\/strong> Select the range of values, close the parenthesis, and press \u2018Enter\u2019.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mean-google-sheets-average-range.png” alt=”How to find mean in Google Sheets \u2014 =AVERAGE(B2:B16) in cell D2 with the Test Score range outlined” title_text=”=AVERAGE(B2:B16) in cell D2 with the Test Score range outlined” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
4.<\/strong> That\u2019s it. You have the average value for your dataset.<\/p>\n
To average only the values that meet a condition, use the AVERAGEIF formula in Google Sheets<\/a>, or the AVERAGEIFS formula<\/a> when you have more than one condition.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mean-google-sheets-average-result.png” alt=”How to find mean in Google Sheets \u2014 cell D2 returns a mean of 7.333333333″ title_text=”Cell D2 returns a mean of 7.333333333″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”what-is-the-median-of-a-dataset” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
What is the median of a dataset?<\/h2>\n
The median of a dataset is the middlemost value, found by ordering the dataset in ascending or descending order.<\/p>\n
How do you calculate the median?<\/h3>\n
To find the median, you need to order the values in your dataset from smallest to largest. The middlemost value is the median, which has exactly the same number of values above and below it. If you have an even number of values, calculate the average of the two middle values. In Google Sheets, the SORT formula<\/a> can put the values in order for you.<\/p>\n
How to find median in Google Sheets<\/h3>\n
Follow the steps below to learn how to find the median for datasets with an even and odd number of values.<\/p>\n
1.<\/strong> In Google Sheets, open the spreadsheet containing your dataset.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-median-google-sheets-empty-median-cell.png” alt=”How to find median in Google Sheets \u2014 Median header in E1 with cell E2 selected next to the mean of 7.333333333″ title_text=”Median header in E1 with cell E2 selected next to the mean of 7.333333333″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
2.<\/strong> In an empty cell, type in the MEDIAN function.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-median-google-sheets-type-median.png” alt=”How to find median in Google Sheets \u2014 =MEDIAN( typed in cell E2 with the MEDIAN(value1, [value2, …]) hint” title_text=”=MEDIAN( typed in cell E2 with the MEDIAN(value1, [value2, …]) hint” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
3.<\/strong> After selecting your dataset, close the parenthesis and press \u2018Enter\u2019.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-median-google-sheets-median-range.png” alt=”How to find median in Google Sheets \u2014 =MEDIAN(B2:B16) in cell E2 with the Test Score range outlined” title_text=”=MEDIAN(B2:B16) in cell E2 with the Test Score range outlined” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
4.<\/strong> That\u2019s it. The median for this dataset is \u20187\u2019.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-median-google-sheets-median-result.png” alt=”How to find median in Google Sheets \u2014 cell E2 returns a median of 7″ title_text=”Cell E2 returns a median of 7″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”what-is-the-mode-of-a-dataset” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
What is the mode of a dataset?<\/h2>\n
The mode is the value that appears most frequently in the dataset. The mode can be found for non-numerical values as well as numerical ones. A given dataset may have no mode, as there may be no repeated values. Alternatively, it may have one or more modes: unimodal, bimodal, trimodal, or multimodal.<\/p>\n
How do you calculate the mode?<\/h3>\n
To find the mode, order the values in your dataset to group them. Count the number of occurrences for each value. The most frequently occurring value is the mode. You can find the mode for different types of data, as you are simply counting occurrences.<\/p>\n
How to find mode in Google Sheets<\/h3>\n
There are two mode functions in Google Sheets. The first is MODE, which works for unimodal sets. However, if you suspect there may be multiple modes, you should use the array function MODE.MULT, as it will find all the modes. Follow the steps below to find the mode using both functions.<\/p>\n
1.<\/strong> Open the spreadsheet with your dataset in Google Sheets.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mode-google-sheets-mode-columns.png” alt=”How to find mode in Google Sheets \u2014 Mode (Single) and Mode (Multiple) headers with cell F2 selected” title_text=”Mode (Single) and Mode (Multiple) headers with cell F2 selected” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
2.<\/strong> Type the MODE function in an empty cell.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mode-google-sheets-type-mode.png” alt=”How to find mode in Google Sheets \u2014 =MODE( typed in cell F2 with the MODE(value1, [value2, …]) hint” title_text=”=MODE( typed in cell F2 with the MODE(value1, [value2, …]) hint” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
3.<\/strong> Select your dataset, close the parenthesis, and press \u2018Enter\u2019.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mode-google-sheets-mode-range.png” alt=”How to find mode in Google Sheets \u2014 =MODE(B2:B16) in cell F2 with the Test Score range highlighted” title_text=”=MODE(B2:B16) in cell F2 with the Test Score range highlighted” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
4.<\/strong> As you can see, the mode is \u201810\u2019. However, if you look at the dataset, it has two modes, \u201810\u2019 and \u20186\u2019. Let\u2019s use MODE.MULT to get the complete result.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mode-google-sheets-mode-result.png” alt=”How to find mode in Google Sheets \u2014 MODE returns 10, with the 10s boxed in red and the 6s boxed in green” title_text=”MODE returns 10, with the 10s boxed in red and the 6s boxed in green” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
5. <\/strong>Type in the MODE.MULT function.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mode-google-sheets-type-mode-mult.png” alt=”How to find mode in Google Sheets \u2014 =MODE.MULT( typed in cell G2 under Mode (Multiple)” title_text=”=MODE.MULT( typed in cell G2 under Mode (Multiple)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
6.<\/strong> Select the range of cells containing the dataset and press \u2018Enter\u2019.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mode-google-sheets-mode-mult-range.png” alt=”How to find mode in Google Sheets \u2014 =MODE.MULT(B2:B16) in cell G2 with the Test Score range outlined” title_text=”=MODE.MULT(B2:B16) in cell G2 with the Test Score range outlined” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
7.<\/strong> That\u2019s it. You now know that the dataset is bimodal, and you have both modes.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/find-mode-google-sheets-mode-mult-result.png” alt=”How to find mode in Google Sheets \u2014 MODE.MULT returns both modes, 6 and 10, in cells G2 and G3″ title_text=”MODE.MULT returns both modes, 6 and 10, in cells G2 and G3″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”conclusion” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
The mean, median, and mode are three measures of central tendency. Although all three focus on the \u2018average\u2019 or \u2018middle\u2019 values in a dataset, each takes a different approach. The arithmetic mean, or average, is probably the best-known of these three, as most people come across it regularly in their everyday lives. You\u2019ve seen that they\u2019re easy to find, although the median and mode require that you do a little ordering and counting. However, if you\u2019d rather skip that, you can find the mean, median, and mode by using the relevant functions in Google Sheets.<\/p>\n
You now know what the mean, median, and mode are and what they can tell you about your dataset. You know how to work out the central tendency measures manually and that the calculations are simple. However, you also know there\u2019s a quicker way to find them. In Google Sheets, you know how to find the mean using the AVERAGE function and the median using the MEDIAN function. You also know there are two options for finding the mode: MODE and MODE.MULT. The first will only find one mode, so if you suspect there may be additional modes, it\u2019s best to use MODE.MULT.<\/p>\n
The mean, median, and mode describe the center of your data, but not how spread out it is. To measure spread, see how to use the STDEV formula in Google Sheets<\/a> to measure dispersion, and the PERCENTILE formula in Google Sheets<\/a> to see where a value falls in the range.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
D\u00e9couvrez comment calculer la moyenne dans Google Sheets avec AVERAGE, la m\u00e9diane avec MEDIAN et le mode avec MODE et MODE.MULT, avec un exemple concret pour chacune.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":264597,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-264581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-google-sheets-features"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=264581"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264581\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/264597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=264581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=264581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=264581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}