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KURT Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel KURT function measures the kurtosis of a dataset, quantifying how peaked or flat the distribution is compared to a normal distribution. Positive values indicate leptokurtic (peaked) distributions with heavy tails, while negative values show platykurtic (flat) distributions.

Syntax

KURT(number1, [number2], ...)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
number1	`Number`	Yes	First number, array, or reference containing numeric data
[number2]	`Number`	No	Additional numbers, arrays, or references (1-254 more arguments allowed)

Using the KURT Function

KURT helps statisticians and analysts understand the 'tailedness' of their data distributions. Use it to detect outliers, assess normality, and evaluate financial risk in datasets like returns or measurements.

Common KURT Examples

Basic Dataset Kurtosis

=KURT(A2:A11)

Calculates kurtosis for values 3,4,5,2,3,4,5,6,4,7 resulting in -0.1518 (platykurtic distribution)

Sales Data Analysis

=KURT(B2:B20)

Measures if monthly sales follow normal or skewed distribution

Stock Returns

=KURT(C2:C100)-3

Excess kurtosis for daily returns (subtract 3 for normal distribution baseline)

Frequently Asked Questions

Positive kurtosis (leptokurtic) indicates a peaked distribution with heavier tails than normal, meaning more extreme outliers.

Negative kurtosis (platykurtic) shows a flatter distribution with lighter tails, fewer extreme values.

Occurs with fewer than 4 data points or zero standard deviation.

Common Errors and Solutions

#DIV/0!

Cause: Fewer than 4 data points or standard deviation equals zero

Solution: Ensure at least 4 non-identical numbers in dataset

#VALUE!

Cause: Non-numeric arguments or text that can't convert to numbers

Solution: Use only numbers, ranges, or numeric arrays

#NUM!

Cause: Error values within the data range

Solution: Clean data or use IFERROR wrapper

Notes

Kurtosis formula uses sample standard deviation
Zeros count as valid data points
Logical TRUE/FALSE values in direct arguments are counted
Excel 2007+ only - use alternative calculations for older versions
Normal distribution kurtosis = 3 (mesokurtic)
Excess kurtosis = KURT result - 3

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+