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MDETERM Function
Summary
The MDETERM function calculates the determinant of a square matrix, a key value in linear algebra used to determine if a matrix is invertible and for solving systems of linear equations.
Syntax
MDETERM(array)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| array | Array |
Yes | A numeric array with equal number of rows and columns, given as cell range, array constant, or named range |
Using the MDETERM Function
MDETERM is primarily used in matrix mathematics to compute the determinant, which indicates whether a matrix has an inverse. It's valuable for engineers, mathematicians, and data analysts working with linear systems.
Common MDETERM Examples
Basic Matrix Determinant
=MDETERM(A2:D5)Calculates determinant of 4x4 matrix in cells A2:D5, returning 88.
Array Constant Determinant
=MDETERM({3,6,1;1,1,0;3,10,2})Computes determinant of 3x3 matrix defined as array constant, result is 1.
2x2 Matrix Example
=MDETERM({3,6;1,1})Determinant of simple 2x2 matrix returns -3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE!
Cause: Array contains text, empty cells, or unequal rows/columns
Solution: Ensure array is square and contains only numbers
#VALUE!
Cause: Non-numeric values in matrix
Solution: Verify all cells contain valid numbers
Notes
- Determinant formula for 3x3: A1*(B2*C3-B3*C2) + A2*(B3*C1-B1*C3) + A3*(B1*C2-B2*C1)
- Calculated with ~16 digit precision; singular matrices may show 1E-16 error
- Use with MINVERSE for matrix inversion workflows
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in: Excel 2003 and earlier
Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+