In this article
WEIBULL returns the Weibull probability. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends WEIBULL.DIST for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=WEIBULL(x, alpha, beta, cumulative)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
x |
Time |
alpha |
Shape |
beta |
Scale |
cumulative |
TRUE/FALSE |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(WEIBULL(A2,B2,C2,TRUE),4)Result: 0.0856. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use WEIBULL.DIST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
WEIBULL in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use WEIBULL
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in WEIBULL.DIST for clarity
Worked example
| Hours | Shape | Scale | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 1.5 | 5000 | =ROUND(WEIBULL(A2,B2,C2,TRUE),4) | 0.0856 |
| 5000 | 1.5 | 5000 | =ROUND(WEIBULL(A3,B3,C3,TRUE),4) | 0.6321 |
| 8000 | 3 | 6000 | =ROUND(WEIBULL(A4,B4,C4,TRUE),4) | 0.9066 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as WEIBULL.DIST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using WEIBULL in new files | Prefer WEIBULL.DIST: 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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