The Excel CHISQ.DIST function returns the left-tailed chi-squared distribution — the cumulative probability or density for a chi-squared value with a given number of degrees of freedom.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
x | Required | The value at which to evaluate the distribution (x ≥ 0). |
deg_freedom | Required | The number of degrees of freedom (a positive integer). |
cumulative | Required | TRUE for the cumulative distribution (left tail); FALSE for the probability density. |
How to use it
CHISQ.DIST evaluates the chi-squared distribution at x for the stated deg_freedom. With cumulative = TRUE you get the area to the left of x; with FALSE you get the density curve's height.
The chi-squared distribution underpins goodness-of-fit and independence tests. CHISQ.DIST gives the left tail; for the right-tail probability (the usual p-value), use CHISQ.DIST.RT.
Left vs right tail: CHISQ.DIST(x,df,TRUE) and CHISQ.DIST.RT(x,df) always add to 1, since one is the area below x and the other the area above it.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a CHISQ.DIST example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Does CHISQ.DIST give the left or right tail?
cumulative TRUE it returns the probability that the variable is at or below x. For the right-tail p-value use CHISQ.DIST.RT.What does cumulative FALSE return?
x, rather than an accumulated probability.What are degrees of freedom?
How is CHISQ.DIST different from the old CHIDIST?
CHIDIST returned the right tail. The modern CHISQ.DIST returns the left tail (and adds a density option); its right-tail twin is CHISQ.DIST.RT.Master functions like this in one day
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