PERCENTILE Function

The percentile parameter (k) must be a decimal between 0 and 1 inclusive. This error occurs when you enter a value like 75 instead of 0.75, or use a negative number or value greater than 1.

1. Convert percentage to decimal by dividing by 100 (75% becomes 0.75) 2. Verify the k parameter cell contains a value between 0 and 1 3. Check for formula references that might calculate values outside this range 4. Use data validation on k parameter cells to restrict input to 0-1 range

Always express percentiles as decimals (0.25 for 25th percentile, 0.5 for median, 0.95 for 95th percentile). Consider adding a helper column that divides percentage inputs by 100 if users prefer percentage notation.

This error appears when the array parameter contains no valid numeric values, only text, logical values, blanks, or error values. PERCENTILE requires at least one numeric value to calculate a percentile.

1. Verify your data range contains numeric values, not text that looks like numbers 2. Check for hidden error values (#N/A, #DIV/0!) within the array range 3. Use ISNUMBER() to identify which cells contain valid numeric data 4. Clean data with VALUE() or NUMBERVALUE() to convert text numbers to actual numbers 5. Remove or filter out error values before applying PERCENTILE

Always validate your data range before calculating percentiles. Use conditional formatting to highlight non-numeric cells, or implement data validation rules that ensure only numbers can be entered. For mixed-type data, use FILTER or array formulas to extract only numeric values.

While less common with PERCENTILE than with lookup functions, #N/A errors can occur when using PERCENTILE with functions like FILTER that return empty arrays when no data matches the criteria.

1. Wrap the formula in IFERROR to handle empty result scenarios 2. Add COUNTIF validation before calculating percentile to ensure sufficient data 3. Use IF statements to check if filtered results contain data: IF(COUNTA(range)>0, PERCENTILE(...), "No Data") 4. For dynamic ranges, verify the source data exists before applying filters

Implement defensive formula design by checking data availability first. For critical reports, add data validation warnings that alert users when insufficient data points exist for meaningful percentile calculations (generally at least 10-20 data points recommended for reliable percentiles).

This error occurs when the array reference points to deleted cells, an invalid range, or when the workbook structure has changed (rows/columns deleted that were part of the PERCENTILE range).

1. Check if the referenced range still exists in the worksheet 2. Use named ranges instead of direct cell references for better stability 3. Update the formula with the correct current range reference 4. If using references to other worksheets, verify the sheet names are correct 5. Recreate the formula if the reference is completely broken

Use structured references (Excel Tables) or named ranges that automatically adjust when data is added or removed. This makes formulas more resilient to worksheet changes. Avoid referencing entire columns (A:A) unless necessary, as this can cause issues when columns are restructured.