Statistical

F.INV Function in Excel

Returns the inverse of the F probability distribution.

Syntax

  • =F.INV(probability, deg_freedom1, deg_freedom2)

Arguments

  • probability (required): Probability (0 to 1)
  • deg_freedom1 (required): Numerator degrees of freedom
  • deg_freedom2 (required): Denominator degrees of freedom

Examples

  • =F.INV(0.95, 5, 10) - F critical value - Result: 3.33

F.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
  • ANOVA
  • Statistical testing

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the F.DIST function in Excel? F.DIST returns the F probability distribution, used in ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), regression analysis, and comparing variances between groups to test if they're significantly different.
  • When do I use F.DIST in statistical analysis? Use F.DIST for ANOVA tests (comparing means across groups), regression significance testing, and variance ratio tests. It's essential for determining if group differences are statistically significant.
  • What are the degrees of freedom in F.DIST? F.DIST has two degrees of freedom: numerator (between-group df) and denominator (within-group df). For ANOVA, these are typically (groups-1) and (total observations-groups).
  • How do I interpret F.DIST p-values? Low p-values (typically <0.05) indicate significant differences between groups. High p-values suggest no significant difference, meaning group means are likely equal.

Editorial review

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