Excel - GEOMEAN Function



GEOMEAN Function

The Excel GEOMEAN function is a Statistical function used to calculate the geometric average of a given set of positive data values. Determining the geometric mean for the datasets containing negative values is quite challenging. However, by using the ABS function to convert the negative values to their absolute values before implying the GEOMEAN function, you can compute the geometric mean of the dataset comprising the nonpositive values.

This function is efficient when handling the dataset that shows the exponential growth, finance modelling, revenue and stock exchanges.

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS Excel

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel 2013
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the GEOMEAN function is as follows −

=GEOMEAN(number1, [number2] ...)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the GEOMEAN function −

Argument Description Required/ Optional
number1 It may contain 1 to 255 arguments to compute the geomean. Required
number2, ... It may contain a single array or a range of cells. Optional

Points to Remember

  • The equation for the geometric mean is −

$$\mathrm{GM_{\bar{y}}\:=\:\sqrt[n]{y_1\: y_2\:y_3\:\dotso\:y_n}}$$

  • If any data value equals zero or less than 0, the GEOMEAN function returns the #NUM! error.
  • The number's text depiction and Boolean values directly specified in the reference argument are not ignored.
  • If the text values are specified in the arguments, then the GEOMEAN function returns the #VALUE! error.

Examples of the GEOMEAN Function in Excel

Practice the following examples to get the master proficiency in the GEOMEAN function in Excel.

Example 1: How to use the GEOMEAN Function in Excel?

In this example, the basic implementation of the GEOMEAN function is depicted by passing the cell ranges that point to the positive numbers to compute the geometric average.

Solution

Consider the sample dataset where the numbers are given in the cell range C2:C8. You may enter the formula =GEOMEAN(C2:C8) in the C9 cell.

GEOMEAN Function1

After that, hit the Enter tab to get the result.

GEOMEAN Function2

Example 2

If any data value equals zero or less than 0, the GEOMEAN function returns the #NUM! error.

Solution

You may enter the formula =GEOMEAN(42,-3,24) in the B2 cell. Here, the second argument contains a negative value.

GEOMEAN Function3

Once you press the Enter tab, the GEOMEAN function returns the #NUM! error.

GEOMEAN Function4

Example 3

If the text values are specified in the arguments, then the GEOMEAN function returns the #VALUE! error.

Solution

You may write the formula =GEOMEAN(42,"pl",24) in the B2 cell and press the Enter tab.

GEOMEAN Function5

Therefore, the resulting value is #VALUE! error.

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the GEOMEAN function.

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