When using QUARTILE, the most common questions fall into 3 areas: parameter errors, unexpected results, and filling the formula across multiple cells.
FAQ
What should I do if QUARTILE returns an error value?
- Check whether the referenced cells contain numeric values.
- Confirm that the formula uses the correct separators.
- Remove extra spaces, text values, or unusual characters, then calculate again.
Why does the QUARTILE result look different from what I expected?
- Check whether the referenced range includes the correct data area.
- Confirm that the quartile argument matches the quartile you want to return.
- Review the cell format to make sure text formatting is not affecting the data.
How do I use the QUARTILE function in multiple cells?
- Enter and confirm the formula in the first target cell.
- Select that cell and drag the fill handle in the lower-right corner to copy the formula.
- If the data range should stay fixed, use absolute references to lock the range.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| QUARTILE | A statistical function that returns the value at a specified quartile position in a dataset. |
| Quartile | A value that divides a dataset into four ordered parts. |
| Parameter | An input used in a function, such as the data range or quartile number. |