AGM Function (Gnumeric)
Calculate the arithmetic-geometric mean with Gnumeric AGM. Includes syntax, a worked example and numerical guidance.
Reference checked: Examples have not been run in this spreadsheet application. How we verify guides
The AGM function in Gnumeric is used for this task: Gnumeric defines the arithmetic-geometric mean of two values. It appears in numerical analysis and special-function calculations.
This guide explains how to read the formula, reproduce a concrete example, interpret its result and recognize common input mistakes.
Syntax and arguments
AGM(a,b)
Gnumeric formulas normally use commas (,) between arguments. These examples are written for Gnumeric rather than copied unchanged from LibreOffice Calc.
Worked example
=AGM(4,4)
Expected result: 4.
Why it works: Returns the arithmetic-geometric mean when both inputs are four.
Another practical example
Practice inputs: Approximate result independently computed with the arithmetic–geometric mean iteration.
=AGM(1,4)
Expected result: ≈2.24302858.
The arithmetic–geometric mean converges by repeatedly averaging the arithmetic and geometric means, starting from 1 and 4.
What to watch for
AGM is not the same as AVERAGE or GEOMEAN; all three answer different mathematical questions.
For LibreOffice Calc formulas, separators are commonly semicolons; the Gnumeric examples here use commas. The arithmetic or official reference supplies the expected result, but Gnumeric has not been executed for this review.
How to use it in your own spreadsheet
- Identify the cells or inputs that correspond to the sample values above.
- Enter the formula in an empty cell, changing the references or literal values to match your sheet.
- Compare the output with a manual check on a small known example.
- Extend the formula to a larger dataset only after you understand the result.
Common problems and practical checks
- Check the accepted numeric domain, units and array dimensions for the specific operation.
- If an error appears, check that the function arguments are of the expected type.
- A pasted formula may produce an error when it uses the other program’s argument separator or unsupported options.
Related functions
Documentation and verification
- Gnumeric official function reference
- Gnumeric function catalog
- Formula and intended behavior were checked against the Gnumeric official function reference; Gnumeric itself was not run in this environment.