In this article
PERCENTRANK returns the rank of a value as a percentage of the data. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends PERCENTRANK.INC for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=PERCENTRANK(array, x, [significance])| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
array |
Values |
x |
Value to rank |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(PERCENTRANK({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A2),3)Result: 0.166. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use PERCENTRANK.INC: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
PERCENTRANK in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use PERCENTRANK
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in PERCENTRANK.INC for clarity
Worked example
| x | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | =ROUND(PERCENTRANK({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A2),3) | 0.166 |
| 22 | =ROUND(PERCENTRANK({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A3),3) | 0.5 |
| 41 | =ROUND(PERCENTRANK({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A4),3) | 1 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as PERCENTRANK.INC.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using PERCENTRANK in new files | Prefer PERCENTRANK.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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