Creating an Average from a formula

[Oglesbay]

I concider myself an average user and am having issues here with this problem. What I am trying to do is to create a report that has an average at the bottom. In the details I am using a formula (say it is [Total Time]) to find the difference in the start time and end time. Then in the report footer I am putting the formula "=AVG([Total Time])". When I put this formula in the report footer I get nothing. If I put it in the page footer, I get an error.

Does anyone have any tips for me to get this to work? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks everyone.

 

[genomon]

Check out the FAQs on creating running sums.
Then average the sum.

"Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted."

 

[genomon]

Specifically, this FAQ: faq702-5248

"Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted."

 

[Oglesbay]

Genomon -

Thanks for your quick reply. However, I am confused as to how a running sum will help when I want an average in my report footer. Maybe I'm just missing the connection here.

Chad

 

[genomon]

Gotta leave soon, so short reply until tomorrow.
The last sum will be a sum total of your data. Put it in a variable & DAvg() it, then assign that value to a text box or label in the footer.

"Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted."

 

[PHV]

What about this ?
"=AVG([End Time]-[Start Time])".

Hope This Helps, PH.
FAQ219-2884
FAQ181-2886

 

[Oglesbay]

PHV -

I actually just tried this about 5 minutes before you posted. It worked, but I have a question about it. Wouldn't it really be =AVG([End Time])-AVG([Start Time])?

They both give me an answer, but they are completely different. Thoughts?

 

[PHV]

What do you want:
the average elapsed time (my suggestion)
the difference between the average end time and the average start time (your suggestion, makes no sense IMHO)

 

[Oglesbay]

Well, as you put it that way, you're right...my way is totally wrong! Thanks for your insight!

 

[aperez54]

I tried this twice and didn't see a difference:

1. AVG([TotalTime]) where [TotalTime] = [EndTime]-[StartTime]

--> This calculates the average of the time difference so if I have:

TotalTime of 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, my average should be: 20 seconds.

2. AVG([EndTime]) - AVG([StartTime])

--> This calculates the average of all your end time THEN takes away or deducts the average of all your start time.

AVG(60,50,40) - AVG(50,30,10) = 50 - 30 = 20 seconds. Same answer!