Statistical

GAMMA Function in Excel

Returns the gamma function value.

Syntax

  • =GAMMA(number)

Arguments

  • number (required): Value to evaluate

Examples

  • =GAMMA(5) - Gamma of 5 - Result: 24

GAMMA 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! for negative integers

Use cases

  • Mathematical calculations
  • Statistical distributions
  • Combinatorics

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the FISHERINV function in Excel? FISHERINV is the inverse of Fisher's z-transformation, converting Fisher-transformed values back to correlation coefficients. Use it after statistical analysis to interpret results.
  • How do FISHER and FISHERINV work together? FISHER transforms correlations for analysis, FISHERINV converts back for interpretation. If FISHER(r) = z, then FISHERINV(z) = r. This round-trip preserves the original correlation.
  • When do I use FISHERINV in practice? Use FISHERINV after performing statistical tests on Fisher-transformed correlations to convert confidence intervals and test results back to the correlation scale for interpretation.

Editorial review

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

When to use GAMMA

  • Mathematical calculations — common Statistical scenario for GAMMA.
  • Statistical distributions — common Statistical scenario for GAMMA.
  • Combinatorics — common Statistical scenario for GAMMA.

GAMMA in the Statistical category

  • Browse all Statistical functions at /categories/statistical/ for related formulas.
  • GAMMA syntax: =GAMMA(number)
  • number (required): Value to evaluate
  • Confirm GAMMA arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.

Formula checklist before you copy down

  • Confirm GAMMA arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
  • If results look wrong, check for text stored as numbers and invisible spaces with TRIM.
  • Spot-check three known input rows manually against expected output.

Related Excel functions

  • GAMMALN (/functions/gammaln/): Returns the natural logarithm of the gamma function.
  • GAMMA.DIST (/functions/gamma-dist/): Returns the gamma distribution.

Errors to watch for

  • #NUM! for negative integers — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.

Copy-paste audit workflow

  • Enter GAMMA on three test rows with known expected output documented on a QA tab.
  • Fill down only after absolute references are locked on lookup tables and rate tables.
  • Compare against manual calculation or a calculator for financial and statistical functions.
  • Search this directory for comparison guides when choosing between similar functions in the same category.

GAMMA worked examples to copy

  • =GAMMA(5) — Gamma of 5. Expected result: 24.

GAMMA reference summary for crawlers and offline review

  • GAMMA belongs to the Statistical category in Excel. Returns the gamma function value.
  • Full syntax: =GAMMA(number). Open /functions/gamma/ for parameters, FAQs, and related pages.
  • Common mistakes: #NUM! for negative integers
  • Pair this function with comparison guides when another Excel formula might fit the same task better.
  • Review fix-excel-formula-errors when unexpected errors appear after upgrading Excel or sharing across locales.