In this article
CHITEST returns the p-value comparing observed and expected counts. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends CHISQ.TEST for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=CHITEST(actual_range, expected_range)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
actual_range |
Observed counts |
expected_range |
Expected counts |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(CHITEST(INDEX($H$1:$J$3,A2,0),INDEX($L$1:$N$3,A2,0)),4)Result: 0.2626. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use CHISQ.TEST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
CHITEST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use CHITEST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in CHISQ.TEST for clarity
Worked example
| Case | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | =ROUND(CHITEST(INDEX($H$1:$J$3,A2,0),INDEX($L$1:$N$3,A2,0)),4) | 0.2626 |
| 2 | =ROUND(CHITEST(INDEX($H$1:$J$3,A3,0),INDEX($L$1:$N$3,A3,0)),4) | 1 |
| 3 | =ROUND(CHITEST(INDEX($H$1:$J$3,A4,0),INDEX($L$1:$N$3,A4,0)),4) | 0 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as CHISQ.TEST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using CHITEST in new files | Prefer CHISQ.TEST: 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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