Excel - FDIST Function



FDIST Function

Excel FDIST is used to identify whether the degree of diversity is the same for the two datasets. The FDIST function retrieves the (right-tailed) F probability distribution for the two datasets. This powerful function is skilfully employed when ANOVA to ascertain whether the variances between two datasets are the same or different. If the probability obtained from the FDIST function is smaller than alpha (0.05), you can accept the alternative hypothesis and ignore the Null hypothesis.

The FDIST function replaces the F.DIST.RT function in Excel 2010.

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS-Excel −

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2019 for Mac
  • Excel 2016

Syntax

The syntax of FDIST function is as follows −

FDIST(x,deg_freedom1,deg_freedom2)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the FDIST function −

Argument Description Required / Optional
X It specifies the numeric value. Required
Deg_freedom1 It denotes the degree of freedom only for the numerator. Required
Deg_freedom2 It denotes the degree of freedom only for the denominator. Required

Points to Remember

  • The degree of freedom (second and third argument) will get truncated if it doesnt contain the integer value.
  • FDIST function will retrieve the #VALUE! Error if its arguments wouldnt contain the numeric value.
  • If x is less than zero, the FDIST function will receive the #NUM! Error.
  • Either the deg_freedom1 is less than 1 or deg_freedom1 is greater than and equal to 10^10, the FDIST function will retrieve the #NUM! Error.
  • Either the deg_freedom2 is less than 1 or deg_freedom2 is greater than and equal to 10^10, the FDIST function will retrieve the #NUM! Error.

Examples of FDIST Function

Practice the following examples to learn the use of the FDIST function in Excel.

Example 1

First, consider the sample dataset comprises two columns; write the text X, DF1, and DF2 in the range B4:B6 cells and enter their numeric values in the range C2:C4 cells. Write the FDIST function in the B5 cell and enter the formula =FDIST(C4, C5, C6) in the C7 cell and press the Enter tab.

Excel FDIST Function 1

Excel FDIST Function 2

Example 2

The degree of freedom (second and third argument) will get truncated if it doesnt contain the integer value.

Solution

You may enter the formula =FDIST(17,3.4,5.6) in the C9 cell. While executing this FDIST expression, the second argument, 3.4, is truncated to 3, and the third, 5.6, is truncated to 5.

Excel FDIST Function 3

Now, press the Enter tab to get the accurate result.

Excel FDIST Function 4

Example 3

FDIST function will retrieve the #VALUE! Error if its arguments wouldnt contain the numeric value.

Solution

First, you may enter the formula =FDIST("Hiya", 3.4,5.6) in the C10 cell and press the Enter tab.

Excel FDIST Function 5

As you can see in the screenshot, the #VALUE! error occurred as the first argument is in text form, which is not permittable.

Excel FDIST Function 6

Example 4

If x is less than zero, the FDIST function will receive the #NUM! Error.

Solution

You can write the FDIST formula =FDIST(-4,6,5) in the C11 cell and press the Enter tab.

Excel FDIST Function 7

Excel FDIST Function 8

Example 5

Either the deg_freedom1 is less than 1 or deg_freedom1 is greater than and equal to 10^10, the FDIST function will retrieve the #NUM! Error.

Solution

First, you can type the formula =FDIST(23,10^20,5) in the C12 cell and press the Enter tab. Here, the first degree of freedom value is 10^20, which is greater than 10^10 and not acceptable in the FDIST function.

Excel FDIST Function 9

As you can notice in the screenshot, the FDIST function retrieves the #NUM! Error. You may edit the second argument to get the correct result.

Excel FDIST Function 10

Example 6

Either the deg_freedom2 is less than 1 or deg_freedom2 is greater than and equal to 10^10, the FDIST function will retrieve the #NUM! Error.

Solution

Enter the formula =FDIST(23,20,-5) in the C13 cell and press the Enter tab. Here, the third argument of the FDIST function is negative, which is not allowable in this case.

Excel FDIST Function 11

Therefore, the resulting value is #NUM! error.

Excel FDIST Function 12

Make sure that the degree of freedom 1 and degree of freedom 2 must be positive and less than 10^10. To avoid FDIST function troubleshooting issues, you need to carefully write the parameter values after following the important points that are mentioned in this chapter.

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