All versions
Engineering
The Excel ERF function returns the error function integrated between limits.
Quick answer:
=ERF(1) // ~0.8427
Syntax
=ERF(lower_limit, [upper_limit])
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
lower_limit | Required | The lower bound of integration. |
upper_limit | Optional | The upper bound; if omitted, ERF integrates from 0 to lower_limit. |
How to use it
ERF returns the error function integrated between limits.
=ERF(1) // ~0.8427
The error function is the area under the normal curve; it underpins probability, diffusion, and signal-noise calculations. ERFC (complementary) keeps accuracy in the far tail where 1−ERF would lose digits.
Try it: interactive demo
Live demo
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Result:
Practice workbook
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Frequently asked questions
What does ERF return?
Returns the error function integrated between limits.
Which Excel versions support it?
All modern versions.
Can I use it across a range to count?
Yes — SUM the 1/0 results to count matches or threshold crossings, like a lightweight COUNTIF.
Why might it return an error?
Non-numeric input returns #VALUE!; out-of-domain values return #NUM!.
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