In this article
BETADIST returns the cumulative beta probability. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends BETA.DIST for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=BETADIST(x, alpha, beta, [A], [B])| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
x |
Value |
alpha, beta |
Shape |
A, B |
Bounds |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(BETADIST(A2,B2,C2,D2,E2),4)Result: 0.4074. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use BETA.DIST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
BETADIST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use BETADIST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in BETA.DIST for clarity
Worked example
| x | alpha | beta | A | B | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 20 | =ROUND(BETADIST(A2,B2,C2,D2,E2),4) | 0.4074 |
| 15 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 20 | =ROUND(BETADIST(A3,B3,C3,D3,E3),4) | 0.8011 |
| 0.3 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 1 | =ROUND(BETADIST(A4,B4,C4,D4,E4),4) | 0.5798 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as BETA.DIST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using BETADIST in new files | Prefer BETA.DIST: same result, clearer name, and the function Microsoft keeps improving |
| Mixing old and new names in one model | Pick one style per workbook so formulas are easy to audit |
Related functions
📚 Part of the free Excel course: Beginner → Expert · Try it in the Formula Lab or ask the AI Helper.
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