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CHISQ.DIST Function
Summary
The CHISQ.DIST function calculates the chi-squared distribution, essential for statistical analysis of variance across samples. It supports both cumulative distribution (CDF) and probability density (PDF) calculations based on the cumulative parameter.
Syntax
CHISQ.DIST(x,deg_freedom,cumulative)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| x | Number |
Yes | The value at which to evaluate the distribution (x ≥ 0) |
| deg_freedom | Integer |
Yes | Degrees of freedom (integer from 1 to 10^10) |
| cumulative | Boolean |
Yes | TRUE returns CDF, FALSE returns PDF |
Using the CHISQ.DIST Function
CHISQ.DIST is used in hypothesis testing, goodness-of-fit tests, and confidence interval calculations for categorical data analysis. Set cumulative to TRUE for left-tail probabilities or FALSE for exact density at a point.
Common CHISQ.DIST Examples
Cumulative Distribution Example
=CHISQ.DIST(0.5,1,TRUE)Returns 0.5205 - Cumulative probability for x=0.5 with 1 degree of freedom (left-tail area)
Probability Density Example
=CHISQ.DIST(2,3,FALSE)Returns 0.2076 - Probability density at x=2 with 3 degrees of freedom
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE!
Cause: Non-numeric input for any argument
Solution: Ensure all arguments are numbers or valid references
#NUM!
Cause: x < 0 or deg_freedom < 1 or deg_freedom > 10^10
Solution: Use x ≥ 0 and 1 ≤ deg_freedom ≤ 10^10
Notes
- If deg_freedom is not an integer, Excel truncates it automatically
- Maximum deg_freedom is 10^10
- x must be non-negative
- Perfect companion to CHISQ.DIST.RT for complete chi-square analysis
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Earlier versions
Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2010+