The Excel CHISQ.DIST.RT function returns the right-tailed chi-squared probability — the area to the right of a chi-squared value, which is the p-value used in goodness-of-fit and independence tests.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
x | Required | The chi-squared value at which to evaluate the right tail (x ≥ 0). |
deg_freedom | Required | The number of degrees of freedom (a positive integer). |
How to use it
CHISQ.DIST.RT gives the probability of a chi-squared statistic being at least as large as x — the right-tail area. This is exactly the p-value you compare against your significance level in a chi-squared test.
Because the right tail is the complement of the left tail, CHISQ.DIST.RT(x,df) = 1 - CHISQ.DIST(x,df,TRUE). A small right-tail value means an observed result that would be unlikely under the null hypothesis.
Reading a p-value: if CHISQ.DIST.RT returns less than your alpha (commonly 0.05), the result is statistically significant and you reject the null hypothesis.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a CHISQ.DIST.RT example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
What does CHISQ.DIST.RT return?
x. In a chi-squared test this is the p-value.How does it relate to CHISQ.DIST?
CHISQ.DIST.RT(x,df) = 1 - CHISQ.DIST(x,df,TRUE). One is the area below x, the other the area above it, and they sum to 1.How do I interpret the result as a p-value?
Which legacy function does CHISQ.DIST.RT replace?
CHIDIST, which also returned the right tail. CHISQ.DIST.RT (Excel 2010+) is the modern name with the same behaviour.Master functions like this in one day
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