How to use F.DIST Function in Excel

The F.DIST function returns the F probability distribution. You can use this function to determine whether two data sets have different degrees of diversity.

Syntax:= F.DIST(x,deg_freedom1,deg_freedom2,cumulative)

The F.DIST function syntax has the following arguments:

1. X (required argument) – This is the value at which we evaluate the function.
2. Deg_freedom1 (required argument) – This is an integer specifying numerator degrees of freedom.
3. Deg_freedom2 (required argument) – An integer specifying denominator degrees of freedom.
4. Cumulative (required argument) – This is a logical value that determines the type of F distribution to be calculated. It can either be TRUE (uses the cumulative distributive function) or FALSE (uses the probability density function).

Example: Let’s look at some Excel F.DIST function examples and explore how to use the F.DIST function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:

Syntax: =F.DIST(B1,B2,B3,TRUE)

Result: 0.004257714

Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following F.DIST examples would return:

Note:

• If any argument is nonnumeric, F.DIST returns the #VALUE! error value.
• If x is negative, F.DIST returns the #NUM! error value.
• If deg_freedom1 or deg_freedom2 is not an integer, it is truncated.
• If deg_freedom1 < 1, F.DIST returns the #NUM! error value.

• If deg_freedom2 < 1, F.DIST returns the #NUM! error value.