In this article
BETAINV returns the value at a beta probability. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends BETA.INV for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=BETAINV(probability, alpha, beta, [A], [B])| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
probability |
0..1 |
alpha, beta |
Shape |
A, B |
Bounds |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(BETAINV(A2,B2,C2,D2,E2),3)Result: 12.629. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use BETA.INV: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
BETAINV in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use BETAINV
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in BETA.INV for clarity
Worked example
| p | alpha | beta | A | B | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 20 | =ROUND(BETAINV(A2,B2,C2,D2,E2),3) | 12.629 |
| 0.9 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 20 | =ROUND(BETAINV(A3,B3,C3,D3,E3),3) | 16.154 |
| 0.1 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 1 | =ROUND(BETAINV(A4,B4,C4,D4,E4),3) | 0.093 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as BETA.INV.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using BETAINV in new files | Prefer BETA.INV: 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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