Returns the rank of a value in a data set as a percentage of the data set. This function can be used to evaluate the relative standing of a value within a data set. For example, you can use PERCENTRANK to evaluate the standing of an aptitude test score among all scores for the test.
Syntax
PERCENTRANK(array,x,significance)
Array is the array or range of data with numeric values that defines relative standing.
X is the value for which you want to know the rank.
Significance is an optional value that identifies the number of significant digits for the returned percentage value. If omitted, PERCENTRANK uses three digits (0.xxx).
Remarks
- If array is empty, PERCENTRANK returns the #NUM! error value.
- If significance < 1, PERCENTRANK returns the #NUM! error value.
- If x does not match one of the values in array, PERCENTRANK interpolates to return the correct percentage rank.
Example
The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank worksheet.
How?- Create a blank workbook or worksheet.
- Select the example in the Help topic. Do not select the row or column headers.
Selecting an example from Help
- Press CTRL+C.
- In the worksheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.
- To switch between viewing the results and viewing the formulas that return the results, press CTRL+` (grave accent), or on the Tools menu, point to Formula Auditing, and then click Formula Auditing Mode.
| A | |
|---|---|
| Data | |
| 13 | |
| 12 | |
| 11 | |
| 8 | |
| 4 | |
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| Formula | Description (Result) |
| =PERCENTRANK(A2:A11,2) | Percent rank of 2 in the list above (0.333, because 3 values in the set are smaller than 2, and 6 are larger than 2; 3/(3+6)=0.333) |
| =PERCENTRANK(A2:A11,4) | Percent rank of 4 in the list above (0.555) |
| =PERCENTRANK(A2:A11,8) | Percent rank of 8 in the list above (0.666) |
| =PERCENTRANK(A2:A11,5) | Percent rank of 5 in the list above (0.583, one-quarter of the way between the PERCENTRANK of 4 and the PERCENTRANK of 8) |
Note To view the number as a percentage, select the cell and click Cells on the Format menu. Click the Number tab, and then click Percentage in the Category box.