In this article
QUARTILE returns the quartile of a data set. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends QUARTILE.INC for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=QUARTILE(array, quart)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
array |
Values |
quart |
0-4 |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(QUARTILE({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 QUARTILE.INC: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
QUARTILE in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use QUARTILE
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in QUARTILE.INC for clarity
Worked example
| Quartile | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | =ROUND(QUARTILE({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A2),2) | 16.5 |
| 2 | =ROUND(QUARTILE({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A3),2) | 22 |
| 3 | =ROUND(QUARTILE({12,15,18,22,25,30,41},A4),2) | 27.5 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as QUARTILE.INC.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using QUARTILE in new files | Prefer QUARTILE.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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