How To Find The 90th Percentile In Excel

Finding the 90th percentile in a data set can highlight top performers or cut-off thresholds for decision-making. In Excel, calculating this statistic involves specific functions and a clear understanding of your data layout.

This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough of identifying the 90th percentile using Excel's built-in tools. Additionally, we'll explore how Sourcetable offers an easier alternative for this analytical task.

Finding the 90th Percentile in Excel

Overview of Excel Percentile Functions

The PERCENTILE function in Excel calculates the k-th percentile for a given dataset, useful for setting thresholds of acceptance. This function may not be available in future Excel versions and has been replaced by PERCENTILE.INC and PERCENTILE.EXC for improved accuracy and clearer usage.

Using PERCENTILE Function

To find the 90th percentile using the legacy PERCENTILE function, use the syntax PERCENTILE(array, k) where 'array' is the data range and 'k' is the percentile in decimal form (0.9 for the 90th percentile). Despite being replaced by newer functions, PERCENTILE is still usable for backward compatibility.

Employing Newer Functions

Newer Excel versions feature PERCENTILE.INC and PERCENTILE.EXC, which may not persist in future versions but currently offer better accuracy. PERCENTILE.INC includes both the lowest and highest values in the dataset, while PERCENTILE.EXC excludes them for percentile calculations.

Error Handling in Percentile Calculations

Errors can occur if the argument 'k' is non-numeric, outside the range of 0 to 1, or not a multiple of 1/(n - 1) in the PERCENTILE function, returning #VALUE! or #NUM! errors respectively.

Step by Step Guide for 90th Percentile

To calculate the 90th percentile, enter the chosen function with 'array' as your data range and 0.9 as the 'k' value. For example, "=PERCENTILE.INC(A1:A100, 0.9)" uses PERCENTILE.INC for an array from A1 to A100. Amend 'A1:A100' to reflect your data range.

Excel vs. Sourcetable: Advanced Data Management Made Simple

Sourcetable transforms data analysis by seamlessly syncing with over 100 applications, providing businesses with a centralized, up-to-date data interface. Unlike Excel, this integration allows for efficient, no-code query capabilities.

With Sourcetable, users leverage the power of an AI copilot for formula generation and templating, simplifying complex data manipulation without the need for deep expertise required by Excel. This feature enhances productivity and reduces the learning curve.

While Excel's robust toolset excels in deep analysis and complex calculations, Sourcetable excels with its specialized data management, reporting features, and the ability for real-time data model updates, making it ideal for growth teams and business operations.

Offering a contemporary, spreadsheet-like interface, Sourcetable provides a familiar experience to Excel users but with added efficiency for collaboration and sharing, incorporating the ease of real-time synchronization of data for informed decision-making.

Master the 90th Percentile in Excel with Sourcetable

Discovering the 90th percentile in Excel can be streamlined using Sourcetable's AI-driven spreadsheets. Sourcetable's seamless integration with third-party tools ensures up-to-date data access for your entire team.

With Sourcetable AI, automation of complex tasks like percentile calculations becomes simple, freeing you to focus on insights rather than process. Answer data queries and automate reports efficiently with our advanced spreadsheet functionalities.

Try Sourcetable now and experience the future of spreadsheet analysis today.