Purpose
Return value
Syntax
=MODE(number1,[number2],...)- number1 - A number or cell reference that refers to numeric values.
- number2 - [optional] A number or cell reference that refers to numeric values.
How to use
The MODE function returns the most frequently occurring number in a set of numeric data. If supplied data does not contain any duplicate numbers, the MODE function returns a #N/A error.
The MODE function takes multiple arguments in the form number1, number2, number3, etc. Arguments can be a hardcoded constant, a cell reference, or a range, in any combination. MODE ignores empty cells, text values, and the logical values TRUE and FALSE. The MODE function will accept up to 255 separate arguments.
Examples
MODE returns the most frequently occurring number in supplied data. For example,
=MODE(1,2,4,4,5,5,5,6) // returns 5
=MODE(7,8,9,7,9) // returns 7
If there are no duplicate numbers, the MODE function returns the #N/A error:
=MODE(7,9,6,5,3,1,0) // returns #N/A
In the example shown, the formula in L5, copied down, is:
=MODE(B5:J5)
Note: the MODE function is now classified as a "compatibility function". Microsoft recommends that MODE.SNGL or MODE.MULT be used instead.
Notes
MODE function examples
List most frequently occurring numbers
Most frequently occurring text
Most frequent text with criteria
Most frequently occurring number
Conditional mode with criteria
Related functions
AVERAGE Function
The Excel AVERAGE function calculates the average (arithmetic mean) of supplied numbers. AVERAGE can handle up to 255 individual arguments, which can include numbers, cell references, ranges, arrays, and constants.
MEDIAN Function
The Excel MEDIAN function returns the median (middle number) in the supplied set of data. For example, =MEDIAN(1,2,3,4,5) returns 3.
MODE.SNGL Function
The Excel MODE.SNGL function returns the most frequently occurring number in a numeric data set. For example, =MODE.SNGL(1,2,4,4,5,5,5,6) returns 5.
MODE.MULT Function
The Excel MODE.MULT function returns an array of the most frequently occurring numbers in a numeric data set. For example, =MODE.MULT(1,2,3,3,4,5,5) returns {3;5}, because there are two modes, 3 and 5.
