Excel is a powerful tool to quickly and easily calculate averages - both the regular (arithmetic) average and the weighted average. In this guide, you'll learn how to do this.
The arithmetic average is the sum of all grades divided by the number of grades.
Excel formula: =AVERAGE(range)
Example step by step:
- Type your grades in cells A1:A5 (e.g., 7, 6, 8, 7, 5)
- Click in an empty cell (e.g., A6)
- Type the formula: =AVERAGE(A1:A5)
- Press Enter
Result: 6.6
The weighted average takes weights into account - exams weigh more heavily than assignments, for example.
Excel formula: =SUMPRODUCT(grades,weights)/SUM(weights)
Example step by step:
- Type grades in column A (A1:A3): 7, 6, 8
- Type weights in column B (B1:B3): 3, 1, 2
- Type in cell C1 the formula: =SUMPRODUCT(A1:A3,B1:B3)/SUM(B1:B3)
- Press Enter
Result: 7.17
Calculation: (7×3 + 6×1 + 8×2) / (3+1+2) = (21+6+16)/6 = 43/6 = 7.17
- You can easily add extra grades by adjusting the range in the formula
- Excel automatically recalculates the average when you change values
- Use number formatting (1 decimal) for better readability
- Create separate worksheets for different subjects
- Add a column with dates to track your progress
All the above formulas work exactly the same in Google Sheets. You can directly copy the data and formulas - they work without modifications.
If you don't feel like working with Excel, use our free online calculator. It works directly in your browser and you don't need to install anything.