How to Use the GAMMADIST Function in Excel
Today, we’ll delve into a powerful statistical function known as GAMMADIST, available both in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. It is utilized for calculating the gamma distribution for a specific value.
Syntax
The syntax for the GAMMADIST function is consistent across both Excel and Google Sheets:
Excel and Google Sheets:
GAMMADIST(x, alpha, beta, cumulative)x: The value at which the distribution is evaluated.alpha: The parameter of the distribution, often referred to as the “shape” parameter.beta: Another parameter of the distribution, often known as the “rate” parameter.cumulative: A logical (Boolean) value that specifies the function’s form. Set to TRUE for computing the cumulative distribution function, or FALSE for the probability density function.
Example Tasks
Let’s examine some practical applications of the GAMMADIST function:
Calculating Probability Density Function
For instance, to compute the probability density function at x = 2, alpha = 3, and beta = 2:
Excel:
| x | alpha | beta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 2 | =GAMMADIST(2, 3, 2, FALSE) |
Google Sheets:
| x | alpha | beta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 2 | =GAMMADIST(2, 3, 2, FALSE) |
Calculating Cumulative Distribution Function
In another scenario, to calculate the cumulative distribution function at x = 2, alpha = 3, beta = 2:
Excel:
| x | alpha | beta | CDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 2 | =GAMMADIST(2, 3, 2, TRUE) |
Google Sheets:
| x | alpha | beta | CDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 2 | =GAMMADIST(2, 3, 2, TRUE) |
This overview demonstrates how to employ the GAMMADIST function in both Excel and Google Sheets for specific gamma distribution calculations. Always ensure that the parameters and values are correctly adjusted to meet your specific analytical needs.
More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/gammadist-function-7327c94d-0f05-4511-83df-1dd7ed23e19e