What is the syntax for MINVERSE in Excel?

The syntax for MINVERSE is: =MINVERSE(array)

What is MINVERSE used for?

MINVERSE calculates the inverse of a square matrix. When you multiply a matrix by its inverse, you get the identity matrix. It's essential for solving systems of linear equations: if Ax=b, then x=A⁻¹b.

Why does MINVERSE return #NUM! error?

MINVERSE returns #NUM! when the matrix is singular (determinant = 0) and has no inverse. This happens when rows or columns are linearly dependent. Check with MDETERM first - if it's 0 or very close to 0, the matrix can't be inverted.

How do I solve a system of equations with MINVERSE?

For equations like 2x+3y=8, 4x+5y=14: Create coefficient matrix A, constants vector b. Solution x = MMULT(MINVERSE(A), b). This gives you the values of x and y that satisfy both equations.

Math & Trig

MINVERSE Function in Excel

Returns the inverse matrix for the matrix stored in an array.

Syntax

=MINVERSE(array)

Arguments

array (required): Square numeric array

Examples

=MINVERSE(A1:B2) - Inverse of 2x2 matrix - Result: Inverse matrix

MINVERSE in reporting workflows

Use absolute references when copying formulas across rows.
For conditional totals see [SUMIF](/functions/sumif/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/).
Filtered lists may need [SUBTOTAL](/functions/subtotal/) instead of SUM on visible cells only.

Common errors

#NUM! if matrix is singular

Use cases

Solving equations
Linear algebra
Engineering

Frequently asked questions

What is MINVERSE used for? MINVERSE calculates the inverse of a square matrix. When you multiply a matrix by its inverse, you get the identity matrix. It's essential for solving systems of linear equations: if Ax=b, then x=A⁻¹b.
Why does MINVERSE return #NUM! error? MINVERSE returns #NUM! when the matrix is singular (determinant = 0) and has no inverse. This happens when rows or columns are linearly dependent. Check with MDETERM first - if it's 0 or very close to 0, the matrix can't be inverted.
How do I solve a system of equations with MINVERSE? For equations like 2x+3y=8, 4x+5y=14: Create coefficient matrix A, constants vector b. Solution x = MMULT(MINVERSE(A), b). This gives you the values of x and y that satisfy both equations.

Editorial review

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