What's the difference between PERCENTILE, PERCENTILE.INC, and PERCENTILE.EXC?

PERCENTILE and PERCENTILE.INC are identical functions that include the minimum (0th percentile) and maximum (100th percentile) values in calculations. PERCENTILE.EXC excludes these extremes, calculating percentiles between 0 and 1 exclusively. For most business applications, PERCENTILE.INC is preferred as it aligns with common statistical practices.

Can I use PERCENTILE with negative numbers?

Yes, PERCENTILE works with negative numbers just as effectively as positive numbers. The function treats all numeric values equally, making it suitable for datasets that include negative values such as profit/loss data, temperature readings, or elevation changes.

How does PERCENTILE handle empty cells and zeros?

PERCENTILE ignores empty cells completely, excluding them from calculations. However, zero values are treated as valid numeric data and are included in the percentile calculation. If you want to exclude zeros, use a filtered range or helper column to create a clean dataset.

What happens if my dataset has duplicate values?

PERCENTILE includes all duplicate values in its calculation, which is the correct statistical approach. Duplicates don't cause errors; they simply represent multiple occurrences of the same value in your dataset and are processed normally during interpolation.

Is PERCENTILE available in Google Sheets and LibreOffice?

Yes, both Google Sheets and LibreOffice Calc support the PERCENTILE function with identical syntax. The function behaves consistently across platforms, though Google Sheets also offers PERCENTILE.INC and PERCENTILE.EXC as alternatives for more explicit control over calculation methods.

Master the PERCENTILE Function: Calculate Statistical Percentiles in Excel

Intermediate

=PERCENTILE(array, k)

The PERCENTILE function is a powerful statistical tool in Excel that allows you to determine the value below which a given percentage of observations in a dataset falls. This function is essential for data analysis, quality control, and performance evaluation across industries. Whether you're analyzing sales performance, test scores, or customer satisfaction metrics, PERCENTILE helps you understand data distribution and identify benchmarks. Understanding percentiles is crucial for making data-driven decisions. The 50th percentile represents the median, the 90th percentile shows top performers, and the 10th percentile identifies lower performers. By mastering the PERCENTILE function, you'll be able to segment your data meaningfully and establish realistic performance targets. This intermediate-level formula works seamlessly in Excel 2007 and later versions, making it accessible to most users working with legacy or modern spreadsheets. The function calculates percentile values using linear interpolation between data points, providing accurate statistical insights. Whether you need to find the top 25% of sales representatives or identify outliers in manufacturing data, PERCENTILE delivers precise results that support strategic business decisions.

Syntax & Parameters

The PERCENTILE function uses a straightforward two-parameter syntax: =PERCENTILE(array, k). The first parameter, array, represents your data range containing numeric values that you want to analyze. This can be a single column, multiple columns, or a named range. The second parameter, k, specifies which percentile to calculate, expressed as a decimal between 0 and 1. For example, k=0.25 calculates the 25th percentile, k=0.5 calculates the median, and k=0.9 calculates the 90th percentile. The array parameter must contain numeric values; text and blank cells are ignored. You can reference cells directly or use array constants. The k parameter is case-sensitive and must be between 0 and 1 inclusive. Excel calculates the percentile using linear interpolation, meaning if the percentile falls between two values, Excel interpolates to find the exact result. Practical tip: Always ensure your data range includes all relevant values without duplicating entries. If k is outside the 0-1 range, Excel returns a #NUM! error. For compatibility with newer Excel versions, consider using PERCENTILE.INC (identical to PERCENTILE) or PERCENTILE.EXC for alternative calculation methods. Remember that PERCENTILE includes both minimum and maximum values in its calculation range.

array

Data range

k

Percentile value (0 to 1)

Practical Examples

Sales Performance Analysis

=PERCENTILE(B2:B51,0.75)

This formula analyzes 50 months of sales data in column B and calculates the value below which 75% of sales figures fall. The result helps establish ambitious yet achievable targets.

Student Test Score Evaluation

=PERCENTILE(D3:D32,0.9)

This formula determines the test score at the 90th percentile, helping identify students in the top 10% of performance for recognition or advanced placement.

Website Load Time Optimization

=PERCENTILE(F2:F1001,0.95)

This formula calculates the 95th percentile of 1000 load time measurements, showing the response time experienced by 95% of users. This helps identify optimization targets.

Key Takeaways

PERCENTILE calculates the value below which a specified percentage of observations falls, using the syntax =PERCENTILE(array, k) where k is between 0 and 1
The function uses linear interpolation between data points, providing accurate statistical analysis for performance benchmarking and data segmentation
PERCENTILE.INC and PERCENTILE.EXC offer alternative calculation methods; PERCENTILE.INC (identical to PERCENTILE) is preferred for most business applications
Common errors (#NUM!, #VALUE!, #REF!) result from invalid k values, non-numeric data, or broken cell references; always validate data before calculating percentiles
Combine PERCENTILE with other functions like IF, COUNTIF, and VLOOKUP to create dynamic performance bands, identify outliers, and build intelligent compensation models

Pro Tips

Use absolute references ($) for your data range when copying formulas across multiple cells, ensuring all calculations reference the same dataset: =PERCENTILE($A$1:$A$100,0.75)

Impact : Prevents formula errors and ensures consistent percentile calculations across your worksheet, saving time on formula corrections

Combine PERCENTILE with ROUND to display cleaner results: =ROUND(PERCENTILE(A1:A100,0.9),2) for financial data or =ROUND(PERCENTILE(B1:B50,0.5),0) for whole number results

Impact : Improves readability of reports and dashboards while maintaining calculation precision for backend analysis

Create a percentile reference table using a row of k values (0.1, 0.2, 0.3... 0.9) with corresponding PERCENTILE formulas to quickly generate comprehensive statistical summaries

Impact : Enables rapid statistical analysis and provides stakeholders with complete data distribution context for informed decision-making

Use named ranges for your data (e.g., SalesData) to make PERCENTILE formulas more readable: =PERCENTILE(SalesData,0.75) instead of =PERCENTILE(Sheet1!$B$2:$B$1001,0.75)

Impact : Enhances formula maintainability, reduces errors when data ranges change, and makes worksheets more professional and easier to audit

Useful Combinations

Identify Outliers Using PERCENTILE with IF

=COUNTIF(A1:A100,">"&PERCENTILE(A1:A100,0.95))

This combination counts how many values exceed the 95th percentile, helping identify outliers in your dataset. Useful for quality control and anomaly detection in sales, manufacturing, or performance data.

Create Dynamic Performance Bands with PERCENTILE and NESTED IF

=IF(B5>PERCENTILE($B$2:$B$51,0.75),"Top Performer",IF(B5>PERCENTILE($B$2:$B$51,0.5),"Above Average","Needs Improvement"))

This formula categorizes individual performance against percentile thresholds, creating dynamic bands that automatically adjust as data changes. Perfect for employee evaluations and performance management systems.

Calculate Percentile-Based Bonus with PERCENTILE and VLOOKUP

=VLOOKUP(PERCENTILE(C2:C100,0.5),BonusTable,2,FALSE)*SalesAmount

This combination uses the median (50th percentile) to look up bonus rates from a table, enabling performance-based compensation that scales with company results. Useful for commission structures and incentive programs.

Common Errors

#NUM!

Cause: The k parameter is outside the valid range of 0 to 1, such as =PERCENTILE(A1:A10,1.5) or =PERCENTILE(A1:A10,-0.1)

Solution: Verify that k is expressed as a decimal between 0 and 1. Use 0.5 for 50th percentile, 0.75 for 75th percentile, not 50 or 75

#VALUE!

Cause: The array parameter contains non-numeric values that cannot be processed, such as text mixed with numbers or logical values

Solution: Clean your data by removing or isolating text values. Use helper columns to extract numeric values or apply data validation to ensure only numbers are entered

#REF!

Cause: The array range references have been deleted or the worksheet containing the data has been removed

Solution: Verify that all cell references in your formula still exist and point to valid data. Restore deleted worksheets or update the formula with correct range references

Troubleshooting Checklist

1.Verify that the k parameter is expressed as a decimal between 0 and 1 (not as a percentage like 75 or 0.75%)
2.Ensure your array contains only numeric values; remove or isolate text entries that may cause #VALUE! errors
3.Check that cell references are correct and haven't been accidentally deleted or moved to different worksheets
4.Confirm that your dataset includes sufficient data points; PERCENTILE requires at least two values to calculate meaningful results
5.Test with a simple known dataset (e.g., =PERCENTILE({1,2,3,4,5},0.5)) to verify the function works before troubleshooting complex formulas
6.Use the ISNUMBER function to validate that all cells in your array contain numeric data: =ISNUMBER(A1)

Edge Cases

Dataset with single value: =PERCENTILE({5},0.5)

Behavior: Returns 5 (the only value), regardless of the k parameter, since there's no distribution to calculate

Solution: Ensure your dataset contains at least two different values for meaningful percentile analysis

Single-value datasets are mathematically valid but provide no useful statistical information

All identical values: =PERCENTILE({10,10,10,10},0.75)

Behavior: Returns 10 for any k value, as all data points are identical and there's no distribution

Solution: Check data quality; identical values may indicate data entry errors or missing variation in your dataset

This scenario is valid but suggests investigating your data source for completeness

Very large datasets (100,000+ rows): =PERCENTILE(A1:A100000,0.95)

Behavior: Excel processes the calculation but may experience performance lag; the function remains accurate

Solution: Consider using data filtering, pivot tables, or splitting analysis across multiple worksheets to improve performance

Excel handles large datasets correctly; performance optimization is a workflow consideration rather than a formula issue

Limitations

•PERCENTILE cannot handle text values or logical TRUE/FALSE; these are silently ignored, which may cause unexpected results if your data contains mixed types
•The function uses linear interpolation, which may not be appropriate for all statistical distributions; specialized statistical software may be required for advanced analysis
•PERCENTILE provides only the calculated percentile value; it doesn't identify which original data points correspond to that percentile, requiring additional formulas for detailed analysis
•The function doesn't support conditional percentile calculations (e.g., 90th percentile of sales only for Q4); you must pre-filter data using helper columns or advanced array formulas

Alternatives

QUARTILE Function

Specifically designed for quartile calculations (25th, 50th, 75th percentiles), offering simpler syntax when working with standard quartile divisions

When: Use QUARTILE when you only need quartile values rather than custom percentiles, such as =QUARTILE(A1:A100,3) for the 75th percentile

PERCENTILE.INC Function

Modern alternative that explicitly indicates inclusive calculation method, improving formula clarity and forward compatibility with newer Excel versions

When: Preferred for new workbooks in Excel 2010 and later; provides identical results to PERCENTILE but with clearer intent in the formula name

SMALL/LARGE Functions Combined

Offers more granular control when you need to identify specific ranked values rather than interpolated percentiles

When: Use =SMALL(A1:A100,10) to find the 10th smallest value when you need exact data points rather than interpolated percentile values

Compatibility

✓ Excel

Since 2007

=PERCENTILE(array, k) - Also available as PERCENTILE.INC (2010+) and PERCENTILE.EXC (2010+)

✓Google Sheets

=PERCENTILE(array, percentile) - Uses identical syntax; also supports PERCENTILE.INC and PERCENTILE.EXC

Google Sheets calculates percentiles using the same linear interpolation method as Excel, ensuring consistent results across platforms

✓LibreOffice

=PERCENTILE(array, k) - Fully compatible with Excel syntax and calculation methods

Frequently Asked Questions

Master advanced Excel statistical functions with ElyxAI's comprehensive formula tutorials. Discover how to combine PERCENTILE with other functions to unlock deeper data insights and automate your analysis workflows.

NORMSINV

PERCENTRANK