Avoiding Errors when Using the And Function to Combine Multiple Conditions in Array Formulas

[John]

I mean, why does this work? A little more explanation is needed.

[ExcelTip]

Problem:

The following Array formula was designed to calculate the average difference between each pair of values in columns A & B (providing both cells are not empty):
{=AVERAGE(IF(AND(ISNUMBER(A1:B5),ISNUMBER(A1:B5)),A1:A5-B1:B5))}
However, an incorrect result of \"0\" is returned.

Solution:

Use the AVERAGE, IF, and ISNUMBER functions as shown in the following Array formula:
{=AVERAGE(IF(ISNUMBER(A1:A5)*ISNUMBER(B1:B5),A1:A5-B1:B5))}