In this article
FTEST returns the p-value comparing two variances. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends F.TEST for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=FTEST(array1, array2)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
array1, array2 |
Samples |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(FTEST({10,12,11,13,12,11},CHOOSE(A2,{11,13,10,12,14,12},{2,25,8,30,1,20},{10,12,11,13,12,11})),4)Result: 0.5276. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use F.TEST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
FTEST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use FTEST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in F.TEST for clarity
Worked example
| Case | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | =ROUND(FTEST({10,12,11,13,12,11},CHOOSE(A2,{11,13,10,12,14,12},{2,25,8,30,1,20},{10,12,11,13,12,11})),4) | 0.5276 |
| 2 | =ROUND(FTEST({10,12,11,13,12,11},CHOOSE(A3,{11,13,10,12,14,12},{2,25,8,30,1,20},{10,12,11,13,12,11})),4) | 0 |
| 3 | =ROUND(FTEST({10,12,11,13,12,11},CHOOSE(A4,{11,13,10,12,14,12},{2,25,8,30,1,20},{10,12,11,13,12,11})),4) | 1 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as F.TEST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using FTEST in new files | Prefer F.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
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