In this article
GAMMADIST returns the gamma probability. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends GAMMA.DIST for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=GAMMADIST(x, alpha, beta, cumulative)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
x |
Value |
alpha, beta |
Shape, scale |
cumulative |
TRUE/FALSE |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(GAMMADIST(A2,B2,C2,TRUE),4)Result: 0.7127. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use GAMMA.DIST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
GAMMADIST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use GAMMADIST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in GAMMA.DIST for clarity
Worked example
| x | alpha | beta | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2 | 4 | =ROUND(GAMMADIST(A2,B2,C2,TRUE),4) | 0.7127 |
| 5 | 2 | 4 | =ROUND(GAMMADIST(A3,B3,C3,TRUE),4) | 0.3554 |
| 20 | 3 | 5 | =ROUND(GAMMADIST(A4,B4,C4,TRUE),4) | 0.7619 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as GAMMA.DIST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using GAMMADIST in new files | Prefer GAMMA.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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