In this article
EXPONDIST returns the exponential probability. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends EXPON.DIST for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=EXPONDIST(x, lambda, cumulative)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
x |
Value |
lambda |
Rate |
cumulative |
TRUE/FALSE |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(EXPONDIST(A2,B2,TRUE),4)Result: 0.3935. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use EXPON.DIST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
EXPONDIST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use EXPONDIST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in EXPON.DIST for clarity
Worked example
| x | Rate | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.05 | =ROUND(EXPONDIST(A2,B2,TRUE),4) | 0.3935 |
| 24 | 0.05 | =ROUND(EXPONDIST(A3,B3,TRUE),4) | 0.6988 |
| 2 | 0.5 | =ROUND(EXPONDIST(A4,B4,TRUE),4) | 0.6321 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as EXPON.DIST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using EXPONDIST in new files | Prefer EXPON.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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