The Excel CHIDIST function returns the right-tailed probability of the chi-squared distribution. It is the legacy name of CHISQ.DIST.RT, introduced in Excel 2010.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
x | Required | The value at which to evaluate the distribution (must be ≥ 0). |
deg_freedom | Required | The number of degrees of freedom (a positive integer). |
How to use it
CHIDIST returns the right-tailed probability — the area to the right of x under the chi-squared curve. This is the p-value you compare against a significance level in a chi-squared test.
Because it is right-tailed, the modern replacement is CHISQ.DIST.RT — not CHISQ.DIST, which is left-tailed. The inverse direction (probability back to x) is handled by CHIINV / CHISQ.INV.RT.
Use CHISQ.DIST.RT instead: =CHISQ.DIST.RT(3,2) in Excel 2010+ returns the same right-tailed value. Take care: CHISQ.DIST (no .RT) is the left-tailed version and gives a different answer.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a CHIDIST example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
What is the modern replacement for CHIDIST?
CHISQ.DIST.RT, added in Excel 2010 — the right-tailed chi-squared distribution. =CHISQ.DIST.RT(3,2) equals =CHIDIST(3,2).Is CHIDIST left-tailed or right-tailed?
x. That is why its modern equivalent is CHISQ.DIST.RT and not the left-tailed CHISQ.DIST.How do I get a p-value from a chi-squared statistic?
What is the inverse of CHIDIST?
CHIINV (modern CHISQ.INV.RT): give it a right-tail probability and degrees of freedom and it returns the corresponding value of x.Master functions like this in one day
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