Quick Answer

QUARTILE.EXC Function

Returns quartile 1, 2, or 3 using the exclusive method (endpoints excluded).

Syntax

QUARTILE.EXC

(array, quart)

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Required
array	The range or array of numeric values.	Required
quart	Quartile to return: 1 (first), 2 (median), or 3 (third) only. Values 0 or 4 cause #NUM!.	Required

Basic Example

Median via the exclusive method

=QUARTILE.EXC({1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}, 2)

Result4.5

Exclusive rank = 0.5*(8+1) = 4.5; interpolate between the 4th (4) and 5th (5) values: 4.5.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: First quartile excludes endpoints

25th percentile of eight values

Equivalent to PERCENTILE.EXC with k = 0.25, using rank k*(n+1).

=QUARTILE.EXC({1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}, 1)

Result: 2.25

Exclusive rank = 0.25*(8+1) = 2.25; interpolate 25% from 2 to 3: 2 + 0.25*(3-2) = 2.25.

Example 2: quart = 0 or 4 is invalid

Why the endpoints are rejected

The exclusive method only supports quart 1, 2, and 3.

=QUARTILE.EXC({1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}, 0)

Result: #NUM!

quart = 0 requests the minimum, which the exclusive method cannot return.

How QUARTILE.EXC Works

QUARTILE.EXC uses the exclusive (EXC) method, internally equivalent to PERCENTILE.EXC(array, quart/4). It accepts only quart 1, 2, or 3 and computes a rank as k*(n+1) where k = quart/4. Because the method is exclusive, the result always lies strictly between the minimum and maximum, and quart 0 or 4 returns #NUM!. Values are interpolated when the rank is fractional. Text and logical values are ignored.

1

Select the result cell

Click where you want the quartile.

2

Enter the formula

Type =QUARTILE.EXC(range, quart) with quart 1, 2, or 3.

3

Press Enter

The quartile value is returned.

Important Notes & Limitations

Only quart 1, 2, and 3 are valid; quart 0 or 4 cause #NUM!.
Interpolates, so results generally are not actual data values.
Ignores text and logical values.

Common Errors & Fixes

#NUM! errorquart is 0 or 4 (or outside 1..3), or the array is too small.

Fix: Use quart 1, 2, or 3; for the min/max use QUARTILE.INC instead.

Result differs from QUARTILE.INCDifferent interpolation formulas.

Fix: Choose .INC when endpoints are needed; .EXC otherwise.

Download Practice File

Practice QUARTILE.EXC with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the QUARTILE.EXC function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Related Functions

AVERAGE

Calculates the mean of the provided numbers.

AVERAGEIF

Averages values that satisfy one condition.

AVERAGEIFS

Averages values that meet all of the specified conditions.

CORREL

Pearson correlation coefficient between two arrays.

COUNT

COUNT returns the count of cells containing numbers in a range.

COUNTA

COUNTA returns the count of all non-empty cells in a range, including text, numbers, and logical values.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between .INC and .EXC?

.INC allows quart 0..4 (including the actual min and max) and uses rank 1 + k*(n-1). .EXC accepts only quart 1..3, uses rank k*(n+1), and never returns the endpoints.

Why does QUARTILE.EXC(...,0) give #NUM!?

The exclusive method excludes the minimum, so quart 0 is invalid; use QUARTILE.INC for the minimum.

When should I use QUARTILE.EXC?

When your definition requires the exclusive method (endpoints excluded), such as certain statistical textbook formulas.