How to use the Excel MINVERSE function

The Microsoft Excel MINVERSE function returns the inverse matrix for a given matrix. The MINVERSE 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 MINVERSE function can be entered as part of a formula in a cell of a worksheet.

Syntax: =MINVERSE (array)

The MINVERSE function syntax has the following arguments:

• array : array of values in a square matrix format (rows = columns).

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

For example 1: Take a look at the below 2 * 2 matrix

Syntax:  =MINVERSE(A2:B3)

(Before we close the formula one thing we need to keep in mind is “MINVERSE” is an array so we need to close out the formula by using “CSE” keys- Ctrl + Shift+Enter)

Result:

For example 2: Take a look at the below 4 * 4 matrix

Syntax:  =MINVERSE(A2:D5)

Result:

For example 3: Take a look at the below 7 * 7 matrix

Syntax:  =MINVERSE(A2:G8)

Result:

Note:

1. The function returns the #VALUE! error if there is non numeric value in the array of argument
2. The function returns the #VALUE! error if input array matrix is not a square matrix i.e. rows not equal to columns.
3. The function returns the #NAME? Error is the only value in the array is in non – numeric.
4. Blank cells are not considered as having value zero when calculating the matrix.
5. The function will return values only in the selected cells. If the selected cells are less than the required cells. Then the returned matrix is not the inverse of the given matrix.
6. The function will return values only in the selected cells. If the selected cells are more than the required cells. Then the function returns the inverse of the matrix in the required cells and remaining cells have #NA! error.
7. If you are using Office 365, you wouldn’t have to use the above procedure. You just have to type the formula in one cell =MINVERSE(5) and press Enter to have the inverse matrix 5 x 5 dimension.