Statistical Functions

The FORECAST() function predicts a future value (y) based on existing linear trends in your data. It uses linear regression to estimate the dependent variable (y) for a given independent variable (x). Syntax FORECAST(x; known_y’s; known_x’s) When to Use Predict future sales, inventory needs, or consumer trends.

The FISHERINV() function reverts a Fisher-transformed value (y) back to its original correlation coefficient (x). It is the inverse of the FISHER() function, ensuring that: If y = FISHER(x), then FISHERINV(y) = x. Syntax FISHERINV(y) Arguments y (required): A numeric value representing a Fisher-transformed (z) value that you want to convert back to

The FISHER() function computes the Fisher transformation of a given value x. This transformation converts a correlation coefficient (which ranges between -1 and +1) into an approximately normally distributed variable, enabling statistical tests on correlation data. Syntax FISHER(x) Arguments x (required): A numeric value between -1 and 1 (typically

This function returns the test statistic of an F-test, which calculates the one-tailed probability that the variances of two datasets (array1 and array2) are not significantly different. Syntax F.TEST(array1; array2) Arguments array1 (required): The first dataset (range or array). array2 (required): The second dataset (range or array). Background

The F.INV.RT() function returns the inverse of the right-tailed F-distribution. If p = F.DIST.RT(x,…), then F.INV.RT(p,…) = x. The F-distribution is used in an F-test to compare variances between two data sets. For example, you could analyze income distributions in the United States and Canada to determine whether the

This function returns the values of a distribution function (1 – alpha) of a right-tailed F-distributed random variable. Use this function to determine whether two data sets have different variances. For example, you can compare the survey results of three equal employee

This function calculates probabilities for an exponentially distributed random variable, modeling the time between independent events. It is commonly used to predict waiting times, such as: The time until a call center receives the next call. The duration between ATM transactions.

This function calculates the sum of squared deviations of data points from their sample mean. It measures the total variability (dispersion) within a dataset. Syntax DEVSQ(number1; [number2]; …) Arguments number1 (required): The first numerical value or range. number2, … (optional): Additional values or ranges

This function calculates the population covariance, which is the average of the products of deviations for each pair of data points. Covariance helps determine the relationship between two datasets. For example, you can analyze whether higher income levels correlate with higher

This function returns the covariance of two sets of values. Covariance helps determine the relationship between two datasets. For example, you can analyze whether an increase in online orders correlates with the number of website visits. To compute covariance, the

This function counts cells that meet multiple specified conditions across different ranges. It extends COUNTIF() by supporting multiple criteria. Syntax COUNTIFS(criteria_range1; criteria1; [criteria_range2; criteria2]; …) Arguments criteria_range1 (required): First range to evaluate criteria1 (required): Condition for criteria_range1 (number, expression, text, or reference)

This function counts the number of cells within a specified range that meet a single specified condition. Syntax COUNTIF(range; criteria) Arguments range (required): The group of cells to evaluate (can be numbers, text, or references) criteria (required): The condition that determines which

This function calculates the number of empty cells within a specified range. Unlike COUNT() and COUNTA(), it specifically tallies blank cells. Syntax COUNTBLANK(range) Arguments range(required): The cell range to evaluate for empty cells Background Particularly valuable for: Data validation and

This function counts the number of non-empty cells in an argument list. Use COUNTA() to determine how many cells in a range or array contain any type of data. Syntax COUNTA(value1; [value2]; …) Arguments value1(required): The first item, cell reference,

This function counts the number of numeric entries in an argument list. The COUNT() function tallies cells containing numbers within a specified range or array. Syntax COUNT(value1; [value2]; …) Arguments value1(required): The first item, cell reference, or range to count