In this article
TTEST returns the p-value of a t-test between two samples. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends T.TEST for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=TTEST(array1, array2, tails, type)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
array1, array2 |
Samples |
tails |
1 or 2 |
type |
1 paired, 2 equal var, 3 unequal |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(TTEST({30,32,31,29,33},{25,26,24,27,25},2,A2),5)Result: 0.0002. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use T.TEST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
TTEST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use TTEST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in T.TEST for clarity
Worked example
| Type | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | =ROUND(TTEST({30,32,31,29,33},{25,26,24,27,25},2,A2),5) | 0.0002 |
| 3 | =ROUND(TTEST({30,32,31,29,33},{25,26,24,27,25},2,A3),5) | 0.00031 |
| 1 | =ROUND(TTEST({30,32,31,29,33},{25,26,24,27,25},2,A4),5) | 0.00555 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as T.TEST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using TTEST in new files | Prefer T.TEST: 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
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