Mode function in excel

The MODE function in Excel is a tools for statistics that help you identify the most frequently occurring number in the data set, called the “mode.” It is especially helpful for interpreting data distributions, detection of trends, and repeated values. 

In this article, we will be able to see how the MODE function functions in Excel, its syntax, and practical examples about how to put it to use in your datasets.

The MODE function returns the most frequently occurring value in a range of numbers. This is very useful for repeated values and is used to determine the number that occurs most often. MODE is helpful in finance, marketing, or data science by giving you the ability to understand the frequency of values with regard to some common patterns or trends.

Note: Two new functions in recent versions of Excel have replaced the older, classic MODE function:

MODE.SNGL: Returns a single most frequently occurring number within a data set.

MODE.MULT Output: Returns multiple modes if there is more than one.

Syntax for the Mode Function

The syntax for MODE.SNGL is very simple:

=MODE.SNGL(number1, [number2], …)

number1: The first number or cell range you want to apply.

number2: Optional. Other numbers or cell ranges.

For MODE.MULT the syntax is the same but it is an array function which returns multiple values. To handle this just enter the formula and with older versions then use Ctrl+Shift+Enter to treat the formula as an array.

Example 1: 

One-Way Mode

You have sold quantities in column A from A1 to A10 and want the most frequently sold quantity. Your formula would be:

=MODE.SNGL(A1:A10)

If A1 has: 5, 7, 9, 7, 10, 7, 9, 8, 5, 7

The formula will return 7 as the result-most frequently occurring value.

Example 2: 

Finding Multiple Modes with MODE.MULT

Sometimes, more than one value might occur equally often in your dataset. For instance, you can use MODE.MULT to find all the modes when several numbers have the same frequency in a survey.

Let’s use the following set of numbers in the cells B1:B8.

3, 6, 3, 6, 8, 8, 10, 10

To get all modes, use the formula:

=MODE.MULT(B1:B8)

Select a range of cells where the modes will appear, type in the formula, and hit Ctrl+Shift+Enter. You will get 3, 6, and 8; since each one occurs twice.

Dealing with Non-Numeric Values

The MODE function treats only numeric values, so it ignores blanks, text and logical values. If your dataset includes nonnumeric entries, they will simply be excluded from the calculation.

Applications of MODE Function

Retail Sales Analysis: Using the MODE function, retailers can determine common purchase quantity and thereby know advance what the reorder quantity as well as stock level should be.

Scores for Customers: If the mode for customer satisfaction surveys points to the most oft-repeated score, it is helpful in measuring overall client sentiment.

Product Popularity: Identify using mode in product sales data the kinds of products which best were sold more frequently, with the use of this information making up pertinent decisions in inventory and marketing.

Using the Mode Function Wisely

Using MODE with Large Datasets: It uses MODE.MULT if working with large data sets to capture all modes in order to give a clearer picture of how the data is distributed.

MODE and Pivot Tables: MODE can be used in conjunction with pivot tables where one wants to find mode by particular attributes, say region or product type.

The MODE function in Excel is simple yet powerful tool for extracting the trends and patterns that might be present within your data. Identifying the most frequently occurring values for a given dataset can provide you with a lot of insight into the actions taken by your customers, sales trends, and so much more. 

For both the single and multi-modal scenarios, the MODE function, specifically MODE.SNGL and MODE.MULT, will prove to be helpful in any and all of a person’s analysis work with Excel.