In this article
PERCENTILE returns the k-th percentile (inclusive). It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends PERCENTILE.INC for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=PERCENTILE(array, k)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
array |
Values |
k |
0..1 |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(PERCENTILE({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A2),2)Result: 16.5. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use PERCENTILE.INC: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
PERCENTILE in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use PERCENTILE
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in PERCENTILE.INC for clarity
Worked example
| k | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 | =ROUND(PERCENTILE({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A2),2) | 16.5 |
| 0.5 | =ROUND(PERCENTILE({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A3),2) | 22 |
| 0.9 | =ROUND(PERCENTILE({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A4),2) | 34.4 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as PERCENTILE.INC.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using PERCENTILE in new files | Prefer PERCENTILE.INC: 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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