In this article
FDIST returns the right-tailed F probability. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends F.DIST.RT for new work. Both give the same result.
Advertisement
Syntax
=FDIST(x, deg_freedom1, deg_freedom2)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
x |
F |
df1, df2 |
df |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(FDIST(A2,B2,C2),4)Result: 0.0888. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use F.DIST.RT: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
FDIST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use FDIST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in F.DIST.RT for clarity
Worked example
| F | df1 | df2 | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 3 | 20 | =ROUND(FDIST(A2,B2,C2),4) | 0.0888 |
| 1 | 5 | 10 | =ROUND(FDIST(A3,B3,C3),4) | 0.4651 |
| 4 | 2 | 30 | =ROUND(FDIST(A4,B4,C4),4) | 0.0288 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as F.DIST.RT.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using FDIST in new files | Prefer F.DIST.RT: 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.
Advertisement
✨ Ask AI about this article
Stuck on a step? Ask a question and the AI answers using this article.
Free · AI can be wrong