How many stars does the average galaxy have?

The average galaxy is estimated to have around 100 billion stars, which is why that figure is often cited in astronomical contexts. The number can vary significantly from one galaxy to another; for instance, smaller galaxies might contain only a few hundred million stars, while larger galaxies can have trillions.

Using the figure of 100 billion as an average helps to establish a baseline for understanding the scale of galaxies in the universe. This average considers not just our Milky Way, which is one of the better-studied galaxies and falls in line with that estimate, but also the many other galaxies that display similar characteristics. Thus, the best answer highlights the vastness of stars found within galaxies, reflecting a more comprehensive understanding of galactic structure and formation.