GEOMEAN Function in LibreOffice Calc — Tested Examples
An explanation of LibreOffice Calc GEOMEAN, including tested formulas, examples, expected results and common mistakes.
Tested: Examples checked in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2. What this means
Returns the geometric mean of a sample. For 2 and 8, the geometric mean is the square root of 16: exactly 4. This kind of mean is suited to multiplicative factors and certain growth calculations.
Syntax and arguments
=GEOMEAN(Number_)
LibreOffice Calc formulas generally separate arguments with semicolons (;).
| Argument | Explanation |
|---|---|
Number |
Number 1, number 2, … are numerical arguments which portray a sample. |
Worked examples
Example 1: Average multiplicative rates or growth factors
=GEOMEAN(2;8)
Expected result: 4. This value was returned in the LibreOffice Calc 25.2 test.
Example 2: Find the geometric mean of evenly spaced multiplicative observations
=GEOMEAN(2;4;8)
Expected result: 4. This value was returned in the LibreOffice Calc 25.2 test.
How to interpret the result
For 2 and 8, the geometric mean is the square root of 16: exactly 4. This kind of mean is suited to multiplicative factors and certain growth calculations.
Mistakes and troubleshooting
- Check inputs and assumptions: Every included value must be positive. Do not average raw percentage changes using GEOMEAN without converting them to growth factors first.
- Check argument order and format: Strings go in quotes, cell references do not. Functions that return arrays may require special entry.
- Verify your own data: Reproduce the example first. If your formula returns an error, inspect the referenced cells and individual argument values.
Related functions
Tested version and primary reference
2 example(s) on this page passed real calculations in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2. This is not a claim about every possible input or other spreadsheet applications.