Excel PERCENTRANK Function: Guide to Statistical Analysis

One useful function of Excel for statistical analysis is the Excel PERCENTRANK function. This function can determine the relative position of a value anywhere. In this article, we will explore it in detail and give you syntax and more.

how to use percentrank function in excel

Excel PERCENTRANK function calculates the rank of a value as percentage. It helps you understand how a particular value compares to other values tough. The function takes two main arguments. They are the array and the x-value. The array represents the dataset you want to analyze. While the x-value is the specific value for calculating calculate the rank.

Excel PERCENTRANK Function: Syntax

The syntax for formula is as follows.

• array: The range or array of values defining the dataset.
• x: The value you want to calculate the rank.

The function returns a decimal value between 0 and 1. This is representing the percentage rank of the specified value within the dataset.

How to Use percentrank function in excel

Step 1: Preparing Your Dataset

First, you need to organize your data into a dataset.  So here we suppose we have a dataset of student scores in a mathematics exam.

Student	Score
Alice	78
Bob	85
Claire	92
David	70
Emma	88
Frank	65

Step 2: Applying the Function

Now we have our dataset ready, we can calculate the percentage rank for David’s score (70).

In an empty cell, you will enter the following formula:

Here, B2:B7 represents scores in our dataset. And 70 is the value for seeing the rank of it.

After pressing Enter, Excel will return the percentage rank as a decimal value. In this case, the result is 0.333333333. And it means David’s score is at the 33.33% position within other scores.

Key Tips

Tip 1: Understanding the Result

A result of 0 indicates value is smaller than all other values. While a result of 1 indicates it is larger than all other values. Intermediate values between 0 and 1 represent the relative position of those values.

Tip 2: Comparing Values

This formula actually compare values across different data tables. By using the same value in different data types, you can determine how the value compares across different contexts.

Tip 3: Handling Ties

In case your dataset has equal values, the function uses the average rank for those values.

Tip 4: Dealing with Non-Numeric Values

The PERCENTRANK function requires numeric values to perform calculations. If your dataset contains non-numeric values, such as text or error values, Excel will ignore those values tough.

Using it for Analysis

1. Interpreting the Result

The result of any PERCENTRANK function is a decimal value ranging from 0 to 1. A result of 0 signifies that the value is lower than all other values. But a result of 1 implies that it is higher than all other values. Intermediate results between 0 and 1 gives us value’s position in your table.

2. Handling Tied Values

In scenarios where the dataset contains tied values , these are equal values. Then, PERCENTRANK function employs the average rank approach. It calculates the average rank and distributes it proportionally among those values.

3. Numeric Values for Accurate Analysis

If you wanna get precise calculations, the PERCENTRANK function should have numeric values within it. Non-numeric values do not get into calculation. It is crucial to have only numeric values when trying PERCENTRANK function.

4. Comparing Values across Datasets

The PERCENTRANK gives users effective comparisons between values from different data groups. When you apply same value in multiple datasets, you can gauge its relative position and significance. So that, you can get to identify patterns, outliers and trends.

5. Excel’s PERCENTRANK.INC Function

Since Excel 2010, an additional function called PERCENTRANK.INC is out here. This function uses the inclusive ranking method. So, this is beneficial in specific scenarios. It includes the endpoints of the dataset when calculating the percentage rank.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How to use the PERCENTRANK function with a range of values instead of an array?

A: You can have array as the array argument for the PERCENTRANK function. Excel treats them interchangeably.

Q2: What does a result of 0.5 mean?

A: A result of 0.5 indicates specified value is at the median position. It is exactly halfway between the minimum and maximum values.

Q3: Is the PERCENTRANK function case-sensitive when comparing text values?

A: No, the PERCENTRANK function treats text values as equal. It focuses on the relative position only.

Q4: Can I use the PERCENTRANK function to compare dates or times?

A: Yes, it can work with date and time values. It compares them based on their underlying numeric representations.

Example:

This function gives the rank of a given value within a dataset as a percentage. Also, it tells you the relative position of a value. The algorithm is something like below.

1. Sorting the dataset in ascending order.
   • This can be done using Excel’s built-in sorting functions or manually arranging the data.
   • Let’s assume the sorted dataset is stored in cells A1 to An.
2. Determining the number of data points as we call them n.
   • In Excel, you can use the COUNT function to count the number of data points. For example, if the dataset is in range A1:An, you can use the formula of =COUNT(A1:An) to get the value of n.
3.  You can also calculate the rank of the value within the sorted numbers.
   • If the value is found in the dataset, its rank is simply its position.
   • If the value is not found, you should determine its position using interpolation. The interpolation is indeed comparing the value with adjacent values.
   • For example, if the value is in cell B1, you can use the following formula for seeing its ranking. =MATCH(B1,A1:An,1)+((B1-A1)/(An-A1))*(MATCH(B1,An:A1,-1)-MATCH(B1,A1:An,1))

Conclusion

Excel PERCENTRANK function is for understanding the relative position of a value. By calculating the percentage rank, you can compare a value to others. This function is particularly useful in statistical analysis. Also, with the knowledge here, you can confidently incorporate the Excel PERCENTRANK function into your data analysis tasks.