BETA.DIST Function

Excel Functions › Statistical

Excel 2010+ Statistical

The Excel BETA.DIST function returns the beta probability distribution — a flexible distribution bounded between two limits, widely used to model proportions, percentages, and probabilities.

Quick answer:
=BETA.DIST(2,8,10,TRUE,1,3) cumulative ≈ 0.6855

Syntax

=BETA.DIST(x, alpha, beta, cumulative, [A], [B])
ArgumentDescription
xRequiredThe value at which to evaluate the distribution, within [A, B].
alphaRequiredFirst shape parameter (α > 0).
betaRequiredSecond shape parameter (β > 0).
cumulativeRequiredTRUE for the cumulative distribution (CDF); FALSE for the probability density (PDF).
AOptionalLower bound of x. Default 0.
BOptionalUpper bound of x. Default 1.

How to use it

BETA.DIST evaluates the beta distribution at x, shaped by alpha and beta. Set cumulative to TRUE for the probability of being at or below x, or FALSE for the density height at x.

=BETA.DIST(2,8,10,TRUE,1,3) // CDF on [1,3] ≈ 0.6855
=BETA.DIST(0.5,2,3,TRUE) // CDF on default [0,1] ≈ 0.6875

The optional A and B rescale the distribution from its natural [0, 1] range to any interval — handy when your variable runs between two real-world limits rather than 0 and 1.

Modern vs legacy: BETA.DIST (Excel 2010+) replaces the older BETADIST. The new version adds the cumulative switch so you can get the density too, not just the cumulative probability.

Try it: interactive demo

Live demo

Pick a BETA.DIST example to see the formula and its result.

Result:

Practice workbook

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between cumulative TRUE and FALSE?
TRUE returns the cumulative distribution — the probability that the variable is at or below x. FALSE returns the probability density (the height of the curve) at x.
What do A and B do?
They rescale the distribution from its natural [0, 1] interval to [A, B]. Omit them to use the standard 0-to-1 range.
How is BETA.DIST different from BETADIST?
BETA.DIST (Excel 2010+) is the modern replacement and adds the cumulative argument so it can return the density as well as the cumulative probability. BETADIST only returns the cumulative value.
How do I reverse BETA.DIST to find x for a given probability?
Use BETA.INV, the inverse function: give it a probability between 0 and 1 and it returns the matching x.

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Related functions: BETA.INV · BINOM.DIST · GAMMA.DIST · CHISQ.DIST · NORM.DIST