Statistical

CHISQ.INV Function in Excel

Returns the inverse of the left-tailed probability of the chi-squared distribution.

Syntax

  • =CHISQ.INV(probability, deg_freedom)

Arguments

  • probability (required): Probability (0 to 1)
  • deg_freedom (required): Degrees of freedom

Examples

  • =CHISQ.INV(0.95, 5) - Chi-squared critical value - Result: 11.07

CHISQ.INV for data analysis

  • Confirm whether you need entire columns, filtered subsets, or distinct values.
  • Use [COUNTIFS](/functions/countifs/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/) for multi-criteria metrics.
  • Pivot tables complement single-cell statistical formulas for exploration.

Common errors

  • #NUM! if probability not between 0 and 1

Use cases

  • Critical values
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Confidence intervals

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the CHISQ.DIST function in Excel? CHISQ.DIST returns the chi-squared distribution, essential for statistical hypothesis testing, goodness-of-fit tests, and testing independence in contingency tables.
  • When do I use CHISQ.DIST for data analysis? Use CHISQ.DIST for testing if observed data fits expected patterns, comparing categorical variables, validating survey results, and quality control in manufacturing.
  • What are degrees of freedom in CHISQ.DIST? Degrees of freedom equal the number of categories minus 1 (for goodness-of-fit) or (rows-1)×(columns-1) for independence tests. It determines the shape of the distribution.
  • How do I interpret CHISQ.DIST results? Lower p-values (typically <0.05) suggest significant differences between observed and expected data. Higher values indicate the data fits the expected pattern well.

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.