Excel MODE Function
The MODE function in Microsoft Excel returns the most frequently occurring value in a range of numbers. It is useful for statistical analysis to identify common values, such as the most common sales amount or score.
Key Topics
Overview of MODE Function
The MODE function identifies the number that appears most often in a dataset. In newer Excel versions, MODE.SNGL is used for single-mode datasets, while MODE.MULT handles multiple modes, but MODE defaults to MODE.SNGL.
MODE Function Syntax
The syntax for the MODE function is as follows:
Syntax: =MODE(number1, [number2], ...)
Parameters:
- number1: The first number or range to evaluate (required).
- number2, ...: Additional numbers or ranges (optional).
Implementation Examples
Below are examples of how to use the MODE function in different scenarios.
Example 1: =MODE(B2:B6) — Returns the most frequent value in B2:B6.
Example 2: =MODE(B2, C2, D2) — Returns the most frequent value among B2, C2, and D2.
Example 3: =MODE(B2:B6, C2:C6) — Returns the most frequent value across two ranges.
Sample Dataset (Excel-style View)
Below is a demo dataset styled like Excel, showing how the MODE function can be used to find the most common order quantity.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Order ID | Quantity | Most Common Quantity |
| 2 | ORD001 | 10 | =MODE(B2:B6) |
| 3 | ORD002 | 15 | |
| 4 | ORD003 | 10 | |
| 5 | ORD004 | 20 | |
| 6 | ORD005 | 10 |
Note: In the dataset, cell C2 uses =MODE(B2:B6) to find the most frequently occurring quantity in B2:B6. The formula is displayed only in C2 for clarity, as it summarizes the range.
Key Takeaways
- The MODE function returns the most frequently occurring value in a range.
- It returns an error (#N/A) if no value repeats or in older Excel versions for multimodal data.
- It supports multiple ranges, e.g.,
=MODE(B2:B6, C2:C6). - Common uses include identifying common sales amounts, quantities, or scores.
- The sample dataset demonstrates MODE applied to order quantities.