The MODE formula with example in Excel

The MODE function in Excel is used to find the most frequently occurring value or values in a dataset. It returns the mode of a set of numbers, which is the value that appears most frequently.

Syntax

MODE(number1, [number2], ...)

• number1, number2, ...: These are the numbers or cell references containing the dataset for which you want to find the mode.

Example

Suppose you have a dataset of test scores, and you want to find the most frequently occurring score.

Data

A
85
90
75
90
85
95
80
85
90
75

You want to find the mode (most frequently occurring score) from this dataset.

Steps

1. Enter the test scores in column A (A1).

2. Use the MODE function to find the mode. In cell B1, enter the following formula:

   =MODE(A1:A10)
   

3. Press Enter.

Result

The formula returns 85, indicating that the most frequently occurring score in the dataset is 85.

Explanation of the Formula

• A1:A10 is the range containing the test scores.

Another Example with Multiple Modes

Suppose you have another dataset with multiple modes.

Data

A
85
90
75
90
85
95
80
85
90
75
75
95

You want to find the mode (most frequently occurring score) from this dataset.

Steps

1. Enter the test scores in column A (A1).

2. Use the MODE function to find the mode. In cell B1, enter the following formula:

   =MODE(A1:A12)
   

3. Press Enter.

Result

The formula returns 75, indicating that 75 is one of the modes in the dataset.

Explanation of the Formula

• A1:A12 is the range containing the test scores.

The MODE function in Excel is useful for finding the most frequently occurring value or values in a dataset, which can provide valuable insights into the central tendency of the data.