QUARTILE.EXC Function

Excel 2010+

Summary

The QUARTILE.EXC function calculates quartile values from a dataset using exclusive percentile methods, returning the 1st (25th percentile), 2nd (50th percentile/median), or 3rd (75th percentile) quartile. Unlike inclusive methods, it excludes the minimum and maximum values from endpoint calculations.

Syntax

QUARTILE.EXC(array, quart)

Parameters

Parameter Type Required Description
array Range or Array Yes Numeric data range for quartile calculation
quart Number Yes Specifies which quartile: 1, 2, or 3 only

Using the QUARTILE.EXC Function

QUARTILE.EXC excels in statistical analysis where precise quartile positioning matters. Use it to identify data spread, detect outliers, or create box plots. The exclusive method ensures quartiles fall strictly within the data range, avoiding edge values.

Common QUARTILE.EXC Examples

Basic Quartile Calculation

=QUARTILE.EXC(A2:A12,1)

Returns the first quartile (25th percentile) value of 15 from the dataset.

Median Calculation

=QUARTILE.EXC(A2:A12,2)

Returns the median (second quartile) of the dataset.

Third Quartile

=QUARTILE.EXC(A2:A12,3)

Returns the third quartile (75th percentile) value of 43.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUARTILE.EXC excludes minimum/maximum values from endpoint calculations, providing stricter quartile boundaries suitable for formal statistics.

It returns #NUM! error since QUARTILE.EXC only accepts 1, 2, or 3.

Common Errors and Solutions

#NUM! error

Cause: quart value is ≤0, ≥4, or non-integer

Solution: Use only 1, 2, or 3 for the quart parameter

#NUM! error

Cause: Array is empty or contains no numeric values

Solution: Ensure array contains valid numeric data

Notes

  • Equivalent to PERCENTILE.EXC with 0.25, 0.5, 0.75
  • Truncates non-integer quart values to nearest integer
  • Same as MIN/MEDIAN/MAX for datasets with specific characteristics

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+