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Statistical function
F.TEST
Returns the result of an F-test: the two-tailed probability that the variances of two arrays are not significantly different.
Rarely usedDifficulty 1500 · AdvancedUsage rank #394 of 520
When to use it
The two-tailed p-value for whether two samples have different variances. Often run before choosing the T.TEST type.
The shape of it
- Syntax
=F.TEST(array1, array2)
Worked examples
Similar variances
=F.TEST({6,7,9,15,21},{20,28,31,38,40}) → 0.64831
No evidence the variances differ.
Different variances
=F.TEST(A2:A31,B2:B31) → 0.012
Variances differ, so use T.TEST type 3.
Identical
=F.TEST(A2:A31,A2:A31) → 1
A sample against itself.
Worth knowing
- A low p suggests unequal variances; pick T.TEST type 3.
- Sensitive to non-normal data; treat borderline results with care.
- Replaces FTEST.
Where it goes wrong
- #DIV/0! when either sample has fewer than two values or zero variance.
- Pairs with text or blanks are ignored.
Related
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