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Statistical function
BETA.DIST
Returns the beta distribution, often used to model proportions between 0 and 1.
Rarely usedDifficulty 1550 · AdvancedUsage rank #418 of 520
When to use it
The beta distribution on 0 to 1, shaped by alpha and beta. It models proportions, completion percentages, and Bayesian estimates of a rate.
The shape of it
- Syntax
=BETA.DIST(x, alpha, beta, cumulative, [A], [B])
Worked examples
Symmetric case
=BETA.DIST(0.5,2,2,TRUE) → 0.5
Symmetric when alpha equals beta.
Density
=BETA.DIST(0.5,2,2,FALSE) → 1.5
The density peaks at 0.5.
Bayesian rate
=BETA.DIST(0.25,2,3,TRUE) → 0.26171875
Probability the rate is at most 25% after 1 success and 2 failures with a uniform prior.
Worth knowing
- After s successes and f failures with a flat prior, the rate follows Beta(s+1, f+1).
- Optional A and B rescale the range from 0-1 to A-B, useful for PERT task durations.
- BETA.INV gives percentiles.
Where it goes wrong
- #NUM! when alpha or beta is not positive or x is outside A to B.
- The cumulative flag is required.
Related
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