In this article
TINV returns the two-tailed t critical value. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends T.INV.2T for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=TINV(probability, deg_freedom)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
probability |
e.g. 0.05 |
deg_freedom |
df |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(TINV(A2,B2),4)Result: 2.2281. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use T.INV.2T: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
TINV in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use TINV
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in T.INV.2T for clarity
Worked example
| alpha | df | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.05 | 10 | =ROUND(TINV(A2,B2),4) | 2.2281 |
| 0.05 | 30 | =ROUND(TINV(A3,B3),4) | 2.0423 |
| 0.01 | 10 | =ROUND(TINV(A4,B4),4) | 3.1693 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as T.INV.2T.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using TINV in new files | Prefer T.INV.2T: 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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