All versions
Engineering
The Excel DELTA function tests whether two numbers are exactly equal, returning 1 if equal and 0 if not (the Kronecker delta).
Quick answer:
=DELTA(5, 5) // 1
Syntax
=DELTA(number1, [number2])
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number1 | Required | The first number. |
number2 | Optional | The second number (defaults to 0). |
How to use it
DELTA tests whether two numbers are exactly equal, returning 1 if equal and 0 if not (the Kronecker delta).
=DELTA(5, 5) // 1
DELTA and GESTEP return 1 or 0, so you can SUM them to count matches or threshold crossings across a range — a fast alternative to COUNTIF for engineering tolerance checks.
Try it: interactive demo
Live demo
Adjust the inputs and watch the formula and result.
Result:
Practice workbook
Download the free DELTA practice workbook
Every example on this page, ready to open in Excel — plus practice challenges with answers on a separate tab. No sign-up required.
Frequently asked questions
What does DELTA return?
Tests whether two numbers are exactly equal, returning 1 if equal and 0 if not (the Kronecker delta).
Which Excel versions support it?
All modern versions.
Can I use it across a range to count?
Yes — SUM the 1/0 results to count matches or threshold crossings, like a lightweight COUNTIF.
Why might it return an error?
Non-numeric input returns #VALUE!; out-of-domain values return #NUM!.
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