Description
Returns the average (arithmetic mean) of the values in a column.
Return
Decimal number (scalar)
Status
Done
Syntax
AVERAGEA(<column>)
AVERAGEA
Syntax:
AVERAGEA(<column>)Description: Calculates average treating TRUE = 1, FALSE = 0, text = 0. Includes non-numeric values in count.
When to Use:
- When you need to include text/logical values as zeros in calculations
- Analyzing data with mixed data types
- Ensuring all rows count toward average (rare in business scenarios)
Business Scenarios:
- Analyzing survey responses where non-response should count as zero
- Calculating averages where missing data should decrease the average
Example 1: Average Including Non-Responses
Average with Blanks = AVERAGEA(Survey[Response])Context: If responses are 5, 4, BLANK, 3, standard AVERAGE = 4.0 (ignoring blank). AVERAGEA = 3.0 (treating blank as 0, dividing by 4).
Example 2: Average with Boolean Flags
Average Activation Rate = AVERAGEA(Customer[IsActive])Context: If IsActive is TRUE/FALSE, this calculates the percentage of active customers (TRUE=1, FALSE=0).
Key Notes:
- Text and blanks count as 0
- TRUE = 1, FALSE = 0
- Denominator includes all rows (unlike AVERAGE)
- Usually AVERAGE is preferred; use AVERAGEA only when specifically needed