PERCENTILE.INC Function
Returns the value at percentile k (0 <= k <= 1) using the inclusive method.
Syntax
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
| array | The range or array of numeric values. | Required |
| k | The percentile, a number between 0 and 1 inclusive. | Required |
Basic Example
Median via the inclusive method
=PERCENTILE.INC({1,2,3,4}, 0.5)Rank = 1 + 0.5*(4-1) = 2.5; interpolating between 2 and 3 gives 2.5.
Advanced Examples
Example 1: 90th percentile with interpolation
Five evenly spaced valuesA high k produces a rank near the top of the list.
=PERCENTILE.INC({2,4,6,8,10}, 0.9)Example 2: k = 0 returns the minimum
Lower edge of the distributionThe inclusive method allows k = 0 and k = 1 at the extremes.
=PERCENTILE.INC({1,2,3,4,5}, 0)How PERCENTILE.INC Works
PERCENTILE.INC uses the inclusive (INC) method. It computes a rank as 1 + k*(n-1), where n is the number of values, then linearly interpolates between the two surrounding sorted values. Because the method is inclusive, k can be 0 (minimum) or 1 (maximum). It is functionally identical to the legacy PERCENTILE. Text and logical values are ignored.
Important Notes & Limitations
k must be between 0 and 1 inclusive, else #NUM!.
Interpolates between values, so the result may not be a real data point.
Ignores text and logical values.
Common Errors & Fixes
#NUM! errork is outside 0..1 or the array is empty.Fix: Keep k between 0 and 1 and supply a non-empty numeric range.
Result differs from PERCENTILE.EXCThe two functions use different interpolation formulas.Fix: Use PERCENTILE.EXC only when you need the exclusive method (k strictly between 0 and 1).
Download Practice File
PERCENTILE.INC
percentile-incPractice PERCENTILE.INC with Real Data
Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the PERCENTILE.INC function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.
File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps