How to Use AVG Function MS Access

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

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Use this interactive demo to learn how to calculate an average field value using Query Design in MS Access.

Quick summary

The AVG function in Microsoft Access lets you calculate the average of any numeric field directly inside a Query Design without writing SQL manually. Using the built-in Totals row, you can apply the Avg aggregate to any table field and retrieve results instantly by running the query.

Steps

Go to the Create tab in the MS Access ribbon.
Select Query Design to open a new query in design view.
Add the table containing the field you want to average by clicking Add Selected Tables.
Drag the desired field into the query grid.
Click the Totals button in the ribbon to reveal the Total row.
In the Total row under your field, select Avg from the dropdown menu.
Run the query by clicking the Run button to view the calculated average.

📌 Why this matters

The AVG function in Microsoft Access is essential for anyone who needs to quickly calculate average values — such as average sales, scores, or costs — directly from a database table without writing complex SQL. Using Query Design's built-in Totals row, users can apply aggregate functions like Avg in just a few clicks, making data analysis faster and more accessible for non-developers. This capability is critical for business users and database administrators who rely on Access to generate summary reports and data insights efficiently. Mastering the AVG function in Access reduces manual calculation errors and saves significant time when working with large datasets.

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