PERCENTILE function

Returns the k-th percentile of values in a range. You can use this function to establish a threshold of acceptance. For example, you can decide to examine candidates who score above the 90th percentile.

 Important   This function has been replaced with one or more new functions that may provide improved accuracy and whose names better reflect their usage. Although this function is still available for backward compatibility, you should consider using the new functions from now on, because this function may not be available in future versions of Excel.

For more information about the new functions, see PERCENTILE.EXC function and PERCENTILE.INC function.

Syntax

PERCENTILE(array,k)

The PERCENTILE function syntax has the following arguments (argument: A value that provides information to an action, an event, a method, a property, a function, or a procedure.):

  • Array     Required. The array or range of data that defines relative standing.
  • K     Required. The percentile value in the range 0..1, inclusive.

Remarks

  • If k is nonnumeric, PERCENTILE returns the #VALUE! error value.
  • If k is < 0 or if k > 1, PERCENTILE returns the #NUM! error value.
  • If k is not a multiple of 1/(n - 1), PERCENTILE interpolates to determine the value at the k-th percentile.

Example

The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank worksheet.

ShowHow do I copy an example?

  1. Select the example in this article. If you are copying the example in Excel Web App, copy and paste one cell at a time.Important Do not select the row or column headers.

Selecting an example from Help

Selecting an example from Help

  1. Press CTRL+C.
  2. Create a blank workbook or worksheet.
  3. In the worksheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V. If you are working in Excel Web App, repeat copying and pasting for each cell in the example.

Important For the example to work properly, you must paste it into cell A1 of the worksheet.

  1. To switch between viewing the results and viewing the formulas that return the results, press CTRL+` (grave accent), or on the Formulas tab, in the Formula Auditing group, click the Show Formulas button.

After you copy the example to a blank worksheet, you can adapt it to suit your needs.

 
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Data
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Formula Description (Result)
=PERCENTILE(A2:A5,0.3) 30th percentile of the list above (1.9)
 
 
Applies to:
Excel 2010, Excel Web App, SharePoint Online for enterprises, SharePoint Online for professionals and small businesses