Databricks-DA-Assoc Executing Queries with Databricks SQL Practice Question
Which function is used to calculate the average of a column in a SQL query?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates sometimes confuse aggregate functions like AVG() with scalar or window functions, or misspell standard SQL aggregation keywords.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
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AVG()
Aggregate functions like AVG() are fundamental building blocks in data analysis. They allow analysts to summarize large datasets into meaningful metrics, such as calculating average sale price or average response time. Learning to apply these functions correctly within a SELECT statement is the first step toward building effective analytical dashboards and reports in any SQL-based environment.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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MEAN()
Why it's wrong here
The MEAN() function does not exist in standard Databricks SQL. Using it will result in a function resolution error. Analysts must use the AVG() function, which is the standardized SQL implementation for calculating the arithmetic mean of a column of numeric values across a result set or group.
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AVERAGE()
Why it's wrong here
While it sounds descriptive, AVERAGE() is not the correct function name in Databricks SQL. Similar to MEAN(), this will cause an error. The SQL standard requires the use of the abbreviated AVG() function to calculate the average, which is consistent across almost all SQL-compliant database engines and analytical platforms.
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AVG()
Why this is correct
AVG() is the standard SQL function used to calculate the mean of numeric values in a column. It ignores NULL values by default and returns the arithmetic average of the set, making it the correct choice for calculating averages in Databricks SQL for reporting and data aggregation purposes.
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TOTAL_AVG()
Why it's wrong here
There is no function named TOTAL_AVG() in Databricks SQL. This is not a valid SQL command, and using it will fail. Analysts should always use the standard AVG() function for calculating averages to ensure their queries remain compatible and adhere to common SQL syntax standards for statistical calculation and reporting.
About these practice questions
This Databricks-DA-Assoc question is part of Courseiva's 291-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Databricks exam blueprint
This Databricks-DA-Assoc practice question is part of Courseiva's free Databricks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the Databricks-DA-Assoc exam.