Use only data found in a specified region

[Ejje]

I'm looking for a way to make a average value out of values below 4. Also out of the values below 4 I need to choose the values between 25% and 75% from the total number of values.

Example
A row with those values...
4
4
2.5
3.0
2.0
2.5
4

...would result in an other row with the average

3.5

or
4
4
4
3.0
3.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
1
2.0
4
4

would result in the average:
2.5

[Glenn Kennedy]

Nope. Don't understand.

Will you please attach a SMALL sample Excel workbook (10-20 rows of data is usually enough)? Please don't attach a picture of one (no-one will want to re-type all your stuff before starting).

1. Make sure that your sample data are truly REPRESENTATIVE of your real data. The use of unrepresentative data is very frustrating and can lead to long delays in reaching a solution.

2. Make sure that your desired solution is also shown (mock up the results manually).

3. Make sure that all confidential information is removed first!!

4. Try to avoid using merged cells. They cause lots of problems!

Unfortunately the attachment icon doesn't work at the moment. So, to attach an Excel file you have to do the following: Just before posting, scroll down to Go Advanced and then scroll down to Manage Attachments. Now follow the instructions at the top of that screen.

[MS Excel Sheet Pro]

I believe you can just use "AVERAGEIF" function, but let me summarize what you have just to make sure.

Your examples and the premise of the question don't jive. I am of the understanding that you would like to take the mean (average) of all values in a range (in this case, column) that are less than 4. In the first example, the only values that are less than 4 are 2.5, 3.0, 2.0, and 2.5. That result for that average is 2.5, not 3.5. In the second example, you only have three examples that are less than 4. They add to 7, so the answer would be 2.33 (2 1/3).

Is this what you want? If so, just use the AVERAGEIF function as it is straightforward. Here is the format:

=AVERAGEIF(range, condition, [average_range])

Note that average_range is optional, and you don't need it (it's a bit complicated to explain here, go see the example on the excel page at Microsoft).

If the second example you posted were located in cells A1:A13, then in A14 (or any other cell) use the formula as follows:

=AVERAGEIF(A1:A13,"<4")

Note that you have to put the condition in quotes.

[Ejje]

Sorry about the confusion, I have now updated the values so that they are below 4 and attached a xlsx

[Glenn Kennedy]

6 and 8 aren't below 4.... If that's just a typo, say so and I'll have a think about this...

[Glenn Kennedy]

No reply...

This is not elegant, but it works:

=AVERAGE(INDEX(A:A,SMALL(IF($A$1:$A$7<4,ROW($A$1:$A$7)),1+ROUND(COUNTIF(A:A,"<4")/4,0))):INDEX(A:A,SMALL(IF($A$1:$A$7<4,ROW($A$1:$A$7)),ROUND(3*COUNTIF(A:A,"<4")/4,0))))

and

=AVERAGE(INDEX(K:K,SMALL(IF($K$1:$K$13<4,ROW($K$1:$K$13)),1+ROUND(COUNTIF(K:K,"<4")/4,0))):INDEX(K:K,SMALL(IF($K$1:$K$13<4,ROW($K$1:$K$13)),ROUND(3*COUNTIF(K:K,"<4")/4,0))))

Both are array formulae. Array Formulae are a little different from ordinary formulae in that they MUST be confirmed in the FIRST CELL ONLY by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER to activate the array, not just ENTER. After that, the array can be dragged down as normal, to cover the desired range.

You will know the array is active when you see curly brackets { } - or "curly braces" for those of you in the USA, or "flower brackets" for those of you in India - appear around the outside of your formula. If you do not use CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER you will (almost always) get an error message or an incorrect answer. Press F2 on that cell and try again.

Don't type the curly brackets yourself - it won't work...

[Ejje]

Yes it was a typo...

[Ejje]

Thanks, the soultion worked fine

[Glenn Kennedy]

You're welcome.

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