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Quick Answer

MODE Function

Returns the single most frequently occurring value in a set of numbers.

✓ Excel✓ Google SheetsExcel All versions

Syntax

MODE
(number1, [number2], ...)

Parameters

ParameterDescriptionRequired
number1The first number, cell, or range to evaluate.Required
number2Additional numbers, cells, or ranges (optional).Optional

Basic Example

Most frequent value among mixed numbers

=MODE(2,3,2,5,3,3)
Result3

3 occurs three times, more often than 2 (twice) and 5 (once).

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Single clear mode

Tally of responses

When one value repeats most, MODE returns it.

=MODE(1,2,2,3,4)
Result: 2
2 appears twice while every other value appears once.

Example 2: Tied modes return the smallest

Two values share the highest frequency

Legacy MODE returns only one value and prefers the lowest when frequencies tie.

=MODE(1,2,2,3,3,4)
Result: 2
Both 2 and 3 occur twice; MODE returns the smaller, 2.

How MODE Works

MODE counts how often each numeric value appears and returns the value with the highest frequency. If multiple values tie for the highest frequency, it returns the smallest one. If no value repeats, it returns #N/A. Text, logical values, and empty cells are ignored.

1
Select the result cell
Click where you want the mode.
2
Enter the formula
Type =MODE(range) with the cells to analyze.
3
Press Enter
The most frequent value is returned.

Important Notes & Limitations

  • Returns only a single value; when several values tie it returns the lowest, hiding the others.

  • Returns #N/A when every value occurs exactly once (no mode).

  • Works with numbers only; text labels are ignored even if they repeat.

Common Errors & Fixes

#N/A errorNo value is repeated in the dataset (all values are unique).

Fix: Use MODE.MULT to see all tied values, or verify the data actually has a mode.

Wrong or missing modeNumbers stored as text are ignored.

Fix: Convert text to numbers so repeated values are counted.

Download Practice File

Practice MODE with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the MODE function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MODE and MODE.SNGL?
They are functionally equivalent; MODE.SNGL is the newer name introduced in Excel 2010, while MODE is kept for compatibility.
Why do I get #N/A?
Because no value repeats. Use MODE.MULT or check that your data contains duplicates.
Can MODE return multiple values?
No. Use MODE.MULT to return all values that share the highest frequency.