In this article
FINV returns the F critical value. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends F.INV.RT for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=FINV(probability, df1, df2)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
probability |
e.g. 0.05 |
df1, df2 |
df |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(FINV(A2,B2,C2),3)Result: 3.098. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use F.INV.RT: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
FINV in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use FINV
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in F.INV.RT for clarity
Worked example
| alpha | df1 | df2 | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.05 | 3 | 20 | =ROUND(FINV(A2,B2,C2),3) | 3.098 |
| 0.01 | 3 | 20 | =ROUND(FINV(A3,B3,C3),3) | 4.938 |
| 0.05 | 2 | 30 | =ROUND(FINV(A4,B4,C4),3) | 3.316 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as F.INV.RT.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using FINV in new files | Prefer F.INV.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.
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