Quick Answer

QUARTILE.INC Function

Returns the chosen quartile (0=min to 4=max) using the inclusive method.

✓ Excel✓ Google SheetsExcel Excel 2010+

Syntax

QUARTILE.INC
(array, quart)

Parameters

ParameterDescriptionRequired
arrayThe range or array of numeric values.Required
quartQuartile to return: 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 (integer).Required

Basic Example

Median (second quartile) of eight values

=QUARTILE.INC({2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16}, 2)
Result9

The median is the average of the 4th and 5th values: (8+10)/2 = 9.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: First quartile via inclusive interpolation

25th percentile of eight values

Equivalent to PERCENTILE.INC with k = 0.25.

=QUARTILE.INC({2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16}, 1)
Result: 5.5
Inclusive rank = 1 + 0.25*(8-1) = 2.75; interpolate 75% from 4 to 6: 4 + 0.75*(6-4) = 5.5.

Example 2: Third quartile

75th percentile

quart = 3 corresponds to k = 0.75.

=QUARTILE.INC({2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16}, 3)
Result: 12.5
Inclusive rank = 1 + 0.75*7 = 6.25; interpolate 25% from 12 to 14: 12 + 0.25*(14-12) = 12.5.

How QUARTILE.INC Works

QUARTILE.INC uses the inclusive method, internally equivalent to PERCENTILE.INC(array, quart/4). It returns quart 0 (minimum), 1 (first quartile), 2 (median), 3 (third quartile), or 4 (maximum). The quartile position is interpolated linearly when fractional. quart must be an integer from 0 to 4, else #NUM!. It is functionally identical to the legacy QUARTILE. Text and logical values are ignored.

1
Select the result cell
Click where you want the quartile.
2
Enter the formula
Type =QUARTILE.INC(range, quart).
3
Press Enter
The quartile value is returned.

Important Notes & Limitations

  • quart must be an integer from 0 to 4; other values cause #NUM!.

  • Interpolates, so results may not equal actual data points.

  • Ignores text and logical values.

Common Errors & Fixes

#NUM! errorquart is outside 0..4 or non-integer, or the array is empty.

Fix: Use an integer quart in 0..4 with a non-empty numeric range.

Result differs from QUARTILE.EXCThe two use different interpolation formulas.

Fix: Use QUARTILE.EXC only when the exclusive method is required.

Download Practice File

Practice QUARTILE.INC with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the QUARTILE.INC 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between .INC and .EXC?
.INC (inclusive) allows quart 0..4 including the actual min and max, and uses rank 1 + k*(n-1). .EXC (exclusive) accepts only quart 1, 2, 3 and uses rank k*(n+1), never returning the min or max.
Is QUARTILE.INC the same as QUARTILE?
Yes. QUARTILE is the legacy name; QUARTILE.INC is the Excel 2010+ equivalent using the inclusive method.
Why are QUARTILE.INC and QUARTILE.EXC answers different?
They apply different interpolation formulas; the exclusive method excludes the data endpoints.