=AVERAGE(IF(LEFT(A2:A640,2)="TU",B2:B640))

entered with ctrl + shift & enter

for TU
--

Regards,

Peo Sjoblom


"Darla" wrote in message
...
I need to average the cost per lb if a string starts with...my spread
sheet
is 640 rows long with over 10 averages needed.

I know how to do the formula except how to say "starts with" instead of
"="
the string is quite long but I only need to reference the first part of it
"tu or ana36"
example below
TU SQRPR INB000160032000384000000200000000
ANA36 BAR INB000160001600002000000200000000
ANA36 BAR INB000160001600004000000200000000