How to use the Excel MDETERM function

The Microsoft Excel MDETERM function returns the matrix determinant of an array. The MDETERM function is a built-in function in Excel that is categorized as a Math/Trig Function. It can be used as a worksheet function (WS) in Excel. As a worksheet function, the MDETERM function can be entered as part of a formula in a cell of a worksheet.

Syntax: = MDETERM( array )

The MDETERM function syntax has the following arguments:

• Array: array of numeric values, that represent a square matrix (i.e. has the same number of rows and columns).

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

Syntax:  =MDETERM(A1:B2)

Result:

Based on the Excel spreadsheet above, the following MDETERM examples would return:

Note: The MDETERM function returns the matrix determinant of a given array, which must be a square matrix containing numbers only, and no blanks. In mathematics, a determinant using values in a matrix following a specific definition. The result of MDETERM a number representing the matrix determinant. The array argument can be provided as a range or an array constant.

1. The input array must be a square matrix with an equal number of rows and columns
2.  The array argument can be provided as a range or array constant like {4,3;3,2}
3. Empty cells or text in array will cause MDETERM to return a #VALUE! error
4. MDETERM returns a #VALUE! if array does not have an equal number of rows and columns