Syntax
HARMEAN(value1, [value2, ...])
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| value1 | Parameter of the HARMEAN function. |
| [value2 | (Optional.) Parameter of the HARMEAN function. |
| ...] | Parameter of the HARMEAN function. |
Examples
Average speed for a round trip
Formula
=HARMEAN(60, 40)
Returns 48, not 50. If you drive 60 mph one way and 40 mph back over the same distance, your true average speed is 48 mph.
Average P/E ratio
Formula
=HARMEAN(B2:B30)
Returns the harmonic mean of 29 stocks' P/E ratios — the correct way to average ratios where the denominator (earnings) varies.
Machine throughput
Formula
=HARMEAN(C2:C10)
Averages the throughput rates of 9 machines. The harmonic mean correctly weights slower machines more heavily.
Common Errors
#NUM!
Returned when any value is zero or negative. Division by zero makes the harmonic mean undefined.
#VALUE!
Non-numeric arguments were provided.
Tips
Always less than arithmetic mean
For positive numbers, HARMEAN <= GEOMEAN <= AVERAGE. The harmonic mean gives more weight to smaller values.
Speed averaging trap
The arithmetic mean of speeds is wrong when distances are equal. HARMEAN gives the correct result. If times are equal instead, then arithmetic mean is correct.
Requires all positive values
Like GEOMEAN, HARMEAN cannot handle zeros or negatives. All input values must be strictly positive.
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