This FAQ covers 4 common questions about formula entry, argument ranges, and result checking, plus a short glossary for key PEARSON terms.
FAQ
What should I do if the PEARSON function shows an error?
- Check whether the formula starts with
=. - Check whether the function name, parentheses, and argument separator are complete.
- Make sure you entered two valid data ranges with matching lengths.
- Press Enter again and review the result.
Why does the PEARSON result not change?
- Make sure you edited the actual data range referenced by the formula.
- Check whether the worksheet is in a manual calculation situation, then press
F9to recalculate. - Confirm that the formula cell has not been replaced with a fixed value.
Can I use PEARSON across different worksheets?
- Yes. Start by typing
=PEARSON(in the result cell. - Switch between worksheets and select the two data ranges.
- Complete the formula and press Enter to return the cross-sheet result.
What type of data is PEARSON suitable for?
- It is suitable for linear correlation analysis between two numeric data sets.
- Before calculating, try to keep the two ranges the same length.
- If the data includes unusual entries or text values, review data quality before calculating.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| PEARSON | A statistical function used to calculate the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient between two data sets. |
| Argument | An input passed into a function. In PEARSON, this usually means two data ranges. |
| Cross-sheet reference | A formula reference that points to cells or ranges in another worksheet. |
| Automatic recalculation | A calculation behavior in which formula results update when source data changes. |