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FISHER Function
Summary
The Excel FISHER function applies the Fisher transformation to a correlation coefficient, converting it into a normally distributed value. This statistical tool is essential for hypothesis testing on correlation coefficients, stabilizing variance and enabling reliable analysis of relationships between variables.
Syntax
FISHER(x)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| x | Number |
Yes | A numeric value for which you want the Fisher transformation. Must satisfy -1 < x < 1. |
Using the FISHER Function
FISHER is a specialized statistical function used in advanced correlation analysis. It applies the Fisher z-transformation, which normalizes correlation coefficients and equalizes their variance, making them suitable for parametric statistical tests and confidence interval calculations.
Common FISHER Examples
Basic Fisher Transformation
=FISHER(0.75)Calculates Fisher transformation for correlation coefficient 0.75, returning approximately 0.9729551.
Analyzing Sample Correlation
=FISHER(CORREL(A1:A10,B1:B10))Applies Fisher transformation to sample correlation between two datasets for statistical testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE!
Cause: x is non-numeric
Solution: Ensure x contains a valid number
#NUM!
Cause: x ≤ -1 or x ≥ 1
Solution: Use correlation coefficients only (always between -1 and 1)
Notes
- FISHER uses the formula: 0.5 * LN((1+x)/(1-x))
- The inverse transformation is FISHERINV
- Commonly paired with CORREL function
- Output values are typically positive for positive correlations
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+