Excel - PROB Function



PROB Function

The Excel PROB function is primarily used to determine the probability that data values in a range must fall between the upper and lower limits, depending on the given set of x values and associated probabilities. The main features of the PROB function are that it manages non-consecutive ranges with the aid of the named ranges or arrays, manages Boundary values, computes the cumulative probability, and integrates with other functions like IF, SUMPRODUCT, and many more.

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 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel 2013
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the PROB function is as follows −

=PROB(x_range, prob_range, [lower_limit], [upper_limit])

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the PROB function −

Argument Description Required/ Optional
X_range It denotes the range of numbers of x. Required
Prob_range It indicates the range of probabilities interconnected with x_range values. Required
Lower_limit A lower limit on the value to get the probability. Optional
Upper_limit An optional upper limit on the value to retrieve the probability. Optional

Points to Remember

  • If upper_limit is omitted, then the PROB function fetches the probability often equivalent to lower_limit.
  • The field values in the prob_range must be in the range from 0 to 1. Otherwise, the PROB function returns the #NUM! error.
  • If the addition of the field values in prob_range is other than one, then the PROB function retrieves the #NUM! error.
  • If x_range and prob_range are of different dimensions, then the PROB returns the #N/A error.

Examples of PROB Function

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

Example 1: Calculating the Probability for the Given Set of Numbers

Solution

In this example, we will illustrate the PROB function to extract the likelihood of the x values associated with the probabilities between 1 and 3 numbers.

Step 1 − First, assume the sample dataset consists of the two columns x and f(x). The x values are specified in the cell range B3:B7, and their corresponding probabilities are depicted in the cell range C3:C7. The Lower limit is set to 1, and the Upper Limit is set to 3.

PROB Function1

Therefore, the PROB function returns the 0.7 as a result.

PROB Function2

Example 2

The field values in the prob_range must be resided between 0 and 1. Otherwise, the PROB function returns the #NUM! error.

Solution

If any value in the set of the prob_range is either greater than 1 or less than 1 then the PROB function yields an error. You may write the formula =PROB(C2:C6,D2:D6,D8,D9) in the D10 cell and hit the Enter tab.

PROB Function3

In this screenshot, the D6 cell is 3, which is larger than 1. Hence, the resulting value is #NUM! error.

Example 3

If x_range and prob_range are of different dimensions, then the PROB returns the #N/A error.

Solution

You can select the F6 cell and type the formula =PROB({1,2,3},{0.03,0.04},2,3). Here, in this expression, the x_range comprises three data points 1,2, and 3 whereas the prob_range consists of two data points 0.03 and 0.04.

PROB Function4

Hence, the resulting value is #N/A error.

PROB Function5

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the PROB function.

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