The Excel CHITEST function returns the p-value of a chi-squared test for independence, comparing observed counts with expected counts. It is the legacy name of CHISQ.TEST, introduced in Excel 2010.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
actual_range | Required | The range (or array) of observed counts to test. |
expected_range | Required | The range (or array) of expected counts, the same shape as actual_range. |
How to use it
CHITEST computes the chi-squared statistic from the observed and expected tables, then returns the matching right-tail p-value directly — you do not have to compute the statistic or look up degrees of freedom yourself.
A small p-value (below your significance level, often 0.05) suggests the observed counts differ from what was expected — the variables are likely related. The two arrays must have the same dimensions; the semicolon separates rows in an array constant.
Use CHISQ.TEST instead: =CHISQ.TEST({10,20;30,40},{15,15;35,35}) in Excel 2010+ returns the identical p-value. CHITEST is retained only for backward compatibility.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a CHITEST example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
What is the modern replacement for CHITEST?
CHISQ.TEST, added in Excel 2010, with the same two arguments. =CHISQ.TEST(actual,expected) equals =CHITEST(actual,expected).What does CHITEST actually return?
How do I interpret the result?
Must the two ranges be the same size?
actual_range and expected_range must have the same number of rows and columns, or CHITEST returns an error.Master functions like this in one day
This page covers one function. Our Excel Formulas and Functions class covers the 30 that matter most — live, hands-on, taught by professionals in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City, Denver, or online.
See the Formulas & Functions Class