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MODE.

Returns the most frequently occurring value in an array or data set.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Compatibility
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

MODE returns the most repetitive numeric value in a data sample. Maintained for compatibility with legacy versions of Excel (superseded by MODE.SNGL).

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=MODE(number1, [number2], ...)
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the MODE function is detailed below.

number1Required

First numeric value or range to analyze.

Example value: B2:B6

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Customer Satisfaction - Most Common Score

Find the most frequent review score given by customers.

CustomerRating (1-5)Mode Rating
Review 15—
Review 24—
Review 35—
Applied Formula
=MODE(B2:B6)
Expected Result:5

Evaluates MODE over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell C2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored MODE formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=MODE()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 5 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:5
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Great for identifying the most common customer rating or shoe size.

Common Mistakes

  • If the sample contains zero duplicate values, MODE returns the #N/A error.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use MODE across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =MODE(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in MODE?↓

If the sample contains zero duplicate values, MODE returns the #N/A error.

Does MODE work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, MODE is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.