The Excel QUARTILE function returns the quartile of a data set (minimum, 25%, median, 75%, maximum). It is a legacy name — Microsoft now recommends QUARTILE.INC, which uses the same inclusive method.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
array | Required | The range or array constant of numeric values. |
quart | Required | Which quartile: 0 = min, 1 = 25th percentile, 2 = median, 3 = 75th percentile, 4 = max. |
How to use it
QUARTILE splits sorted data into four equal parts. The quart argument selects which boundary you want.
QUARTILE uses the inclusive method (the endpoints 0% and 100% are the actual min and max), which interpolates between data points — that is why Q1 above lands at 3.5 rather than on a value in the list.
Use the modern names: QUARTILE.INC matches QUARTILE exactly, while QUARTILE.EXC offers an exclusive variant (quart 1–3 only). New workbooks should use one of those.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a QUARTILE example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Is QUARTILE the same as QUARTILE.INC?
QUARTILE.INC (Excel 2010+) uses the identical inclusive interpolation method and returns the same values. QUARTILE.EXC is a different, exclusive variant.What does the quart argument mean?
Why is the quartile a value not actually in my data?
Should I switch to QUARTILE.INC?
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