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F.INV Function
Summary
The F.INV function returns the inverse of the left-tailed F probability distribution. Given a probability value, it calculates the corresponding F critical value for specified degrees of freedom, essential for F-tests comparing variability between datasets.
Syntax
F.INV(probability, deg_freedom1, deg_freedom2)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| probability | Number |
Yes | A probability value (0 ≤ probability ≤ 1) for the left-tailed F distribution |
| deg_freedom1 | Number |
Yes | Numerator degrees of freedom (≥1, non-integer values truncated) |
| deg_freedom2 | Number |
Yes | Denominator degrees of freedom (≥1, non-integer values truncated) |
Using the F.INV Function
F.INV is crucial for statistical analysis in Excel, particularly when performing F-tests to compare variances between two populations. It calculates the critical F value for a given significance level (probability) and degrees of freedom, helping determine if differences in variability are statistically significant.
Common F.INV Examples
Basic F.INV Calculation
=F.INV(0.01, 6, 4)Returns approximately 0.1093, the inverse F value for 1% probability with 6 numerator and 4 denominator degrees of freedom.
Statistical Significance Testing
=F.INV(0.05, B1, B2)Calculates critical F value at 5% significance level using degrees of freedom from cells B1 and B2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE!
Cause: Any argument is non-numeric
Solution: Ensure all inputs are valid numbers
#NUM!
Cause: Probability < 0 or > 1, or degrees of freedom < 1
Solution: Verify probability is between 0 and 1, and degrees of freedom ≥ 1
#NUM!
Cause: Degrees of freedom less than 1
Solution: Use degrees of freedom values of 1 or greater
Notes
- If p = F.DIST(x,...), then F.INV(p,...) = x
- Ideal for analyzing income distribution variability between countries
- Non-integer degrees of freedom are truncated toward zero
- Deprecated in favor of F.INV.RT for right-tailed tests
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in: Excel 2007 and earlier
Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2010+