Rank average is one of the methods of ranking data where the same values get an average rank. In Excel, there is an inbuilt statistical function- to rank data from a list and assign the same rank for duplicate values. The function is called Excel RANK.AVG function. In this article, I’ll introduce you to the function and show you how to deal with rank average in Excel.
Let’s say you have a dataset where the obtained number of different students in a test is given. You want to rank them based on their number.
Rank & Average in Excel
Before diving into a discussion about RANK.AVG function let’s recap the basics first. In RANK.AVG, the principle of two other functions- the RANK function and the AVERAGE function is used. The RANK function is used to determine the rank or order of a number in a list. So, using this function we can rank the numbers of a list. But if there are two or more of the same values, the RANK function will display the same rank (the rank if the value is unique) for all the values.
Here, the idea of incorporating the AVERAGE function in the RANK function comes. The AVERAGE function gives the average value of some numbers.
The RANK.AVG function works in the same manner as the RANK function, but it gives an average rank if there are two or more of the same values. From the next sections of the article, you will get a more clear idea about the function.
Read More: Excel Percentile Rank Inc vs Exc
Rank Average in Excel Simultaneously
As I’ve mentioned earlier there is a function that provides the rank with average, first, let’s get to know about the function a bit. The RANK.AVG function returns the rank of a number in a list of numbers: its size relative to other values in the list; if more than one value has the same rank, the average rank is returned. A numeric value will be the output that denominates the rank of the number in a list.
The syntax of this function is,
RANK.AVG(number, ref, [order])
| Argument | Required/Optional | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| number | Required | The numerical value whose rank will be determined in a list |
| ref | Required | An array or list that contains the numbers to rank against. The non-numerical entry of the list is ignored. |
| Order | Optional | The order of ranking, If empty or 0, the order will be descending. If 1, the order will be ascending. |
This function is first available in Excel 2010. In Excel 2007 or any other earlier version, the Excel RANK function is available. The RANK.AVG function is an upgrade of the RANK function.
1. Using Excel RANK-AVERAGE to Rank a List Based on Value
You can rank the numbers of a list by using the RANK.AVG function. Suppose, you have a dataset where the obtained number of different students in a test is given.
➤ Type the following formula in cell D5,
=RANK.AVG(C5,$C$5:$C$11)The function will determine the rank of the number in cell C5 in the list $C$5:$C$11.
Don’t forget to lock the cell of the list. It will allow you to drag cell D5 to determine the rank of other numbers in the list.
➤ Press ENTER.
As a result, you will get the rank of the number in cell C5.
Finally,
➤ Drag cell D5 to the end of your dataset.
As a result, you will get the ranks for all the numbers on the list.
2. Ranking Duplicates with Excel Rank-Average Function
Now, let’s see what happens if there are duplicate values in the list. Let’s say, you have the following dataset where the number 84 appears three times.
To determine the ranks of these numbers,
➤ Type the following formula in cell D5,
=RANK.AVG(C5,$C$5:$C$11)The function will determine the rank of the number in cell C5 in the list $C$5:$C$11.
Don’t forget to lock the cell of the list. It will allow you to drag cell D5 to determine the rank of other numbers in the list.
➤ Press ENTER.
As a result, you will get the rank of the number in cell C5.
Finally,
➤ Drag cell D5 to the end of your dataset.
As a result, you will get the ranks for all the numbers on the list.
If you observe the result you will see the formula gives the rank of the number 84 as 5. The number 84 appears three times. The previous number in the descending order is 87 whose rank is 3 and the next number in the descending order is 69 whose rank is 7. So, the three 84 occupy the 4th, 5th, and 6th positions. The average of these positions is 5th. So, the RANK.AVG function assigns the rank 5 for all the three 84.
3. Ranking in Ascending Order Using RANK-AVERAGE
With the RANK.AVG function you can get the rank of the numbers of a list in ascending order.
➤ Type the following formula in cell D5,
=RANK.AVG(C5,$C$5:$C$11,1)The function will determine the rank of the number in cell C5 in the list $C$5:$C$11. Here the optional argument 1 indicates that the rank will be assigned in ascending order.
➤ Press ENTER.
As a result, you will get the rank of the number in cell C5 in ascending order.
Finally,
➤ Drag cell D5 to the end of your dataset.
As a result, you will get the ranks for all the numbers of the list in ascending order.
4. Ranking in Descending Order with RANK-AVERAGE
If you input the number 0 as the optional argument of the RANK.AVG function, you will get the rank in descending order. The RANK.AVG function ranks numbers in descending order by default. So, if you leave the optional argument empty, you will also get the rank in descending order.
➤ Type the following formula in cell D5,
=RANK.AVG(C5,$C$5:$C$11,0)The function will determine the rank of the number in cell C5 in the list $C$5:$C$11. Here the optional argument 0 indicates that the rank will be assigned in descending order.
After that,
➤ Press ENTER.
As a result, you will get the rank of the number in cell C5 in descending order.
Finally,
➤ Drag cell D5 to the end of your dataset.
As a result, you will get the ranks for all the numbers on the list in descending order.
💡 Things to Remember
📌 If the number is not in the range assigned as the ref, the function will return #N/A! Error.
📌 If there is any non-numeric data in the list, it will be ignored by the RANK.AVG function.
📂 Download Practice Workbook
Conclusion
That’s for the article. I’ve tried to introduce you to the methods of getting rank average in Excel. I hope now you know how to rank average in Excel. If you have any confusion, please feel free to leave a comment.
Related Articles
- How to Calculate Rank Percentile in Excel
- How to Stack Rank Employees in Excel
- How to Rank in Excel Highest to Lowest
- How to Create a Ranking Graph in Excel
- How to Create an Auto Ranking Table in Excel
- How to Calculate Weighted Ranking in Excel
<< Go Back to Excel RANK Function | Excel Functions | Learn Excel
Get FREE Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions!
