FISHERINV Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The FISHERINV function performs the inverse Fisher transformation, converting a normally distributed z-score back to a correlation coefficient. Essential for statistical analysis of correlations between datasets.

Syntax

FISHERINV(y)

Parameters

Parameter Type Required Description
y Number Yes The z-value (result of FISHER function) to convert back to correlation coefficient

Using the FISHERINV Function

FISHERINV reverses the Fisher transformation applied by the FISHER function. This pair of functions normalizes correlation coefficients for parametric statistical testing. Use FISHERINV when you need to convert analyzed z-scores back to interpretable correlation values.

Common FISHERINV Examples

Basic Inverse Fisher Transformation

=FISHERINV(0.972955)

Converts z-score 0.972955 back to correlation coefficient 0.75 (matches FISHER(0.75))

Complete Fisher Round Trip

=FISHERINV(FISHER(0.8))

Demonstrates perfect reversibility: returns exactly 0.8

Analyzing Survey Correlations

=FISHERINV(FISHER(B2:C10))

Converts array of correlations back from z-score analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

It applies the inverse Fisher transformation: x = (exp(2y) - 1) / (exp(2y) + 1)

Use it to convert z-scores back to correlation coefficients after statistical analysis

Non-numeric values return #VALUE! error

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE!

Cause: y argument is non-numeric

Solution: Ensure y contains valid numeric values

#NUM!

Cause: y value outside valid transformation range

Solution: Check that source correlations were within -1 to 1 range

Notes

  • Precision maintained through transformation cycle
  • Valid for correlations between -1 and 1
  • Essential for hypothesis testing on correlations
  • Output range: -1 < result < 1

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+