SKEW Function

All versions Statistical

The Excel SKEW function returns the skewness of a distribution — a measure of how lopsided the data is around its mean. SKEW uses the sample formula (dividing by (n-1)(n-2)).

Quick answer:

=SKEW({3,4,5,2,3,4,5,6,4,7}) sample skewness =~ 0.359

Syntax

=SKEW(number1, [number2], ...)

Argument		Description
`number1`	Required	The first number, array, or range to include. At least three data points are required.
`number2, ...`	Optional	Up to 254 additional numbers, arrays, or ranges.

How to use it

Skewness describes the asymmetry of a distribution. A positive value means the tail stretches to the right (high values); a negative value means the tail stretches left; near zero is roughly symmetric.

=SKEW({3,4,5,2,3,4,5,6,4,7}) // right tail =~ 0.359

=SKEW({1,2,3,4,5}) // symmetric = 0

SKEW uses the sample skewness formula, which applies an (n-1)(n-2) correction. For the population version (a slightly smaller magnitude), use SKEW.P.

Sample vs population: SKEW is for a sample drawn from a larger population; SKEW.P treats your data as the entire population. SKEW always gives a magnitude at least as large as SKEW.P.

Try it: interactive demo

Live demo

Pick a SKEW example to see the formula and its result.

example

Result:

Practice workbook

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Frequently asked questions

What does a positive or negative skew mean?

Positive skew means the longer tail is on the right (a few unusually high values); negative skew means the longer tail is on the left. A value near 0 indicates a roughly symmetric distribution.

What is the difference between SKEW and SKEW.P?

SKEW uses the sample skewness formula with an (n-1)(n-2) correction; SKEW.P uses the population formula. For the same data SKEW.P returns a slightly smaller magnitude. SKEW.P was added in Excel 2010.

How many data points does SKEW need?

At least three. With fewer than three points, or if the standard deviation is zero, SKEW returns a divide-by-zero error.

Does SKEW ignore text and blank cells?

Yes. When pointed at a range, text, logical values, and empty cells are skipped; only numeric values are counted.

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Related functions: SKEW.P · KURT · STDEV.S · AVERAGE · MEDIAN