The CHIDIST function in Google Sheets is designed to compute the right-tailed chi-squared distribution, a critical component often used in statistical hypothesis testing. This function allows users to evaluate the probability of observing a statistic under the null hypothesis, making it essential for researchers and analysts in various fields such as science, economics, and social research.

Syntax

CHIDIST(x, degrees_freedom)

• x: The chi-squared statistic you are analyzing.
• degrees_freedom: The number of degrees of freedom associated with the chi-squared test.

Example #1

CHIDIST(5.991, 2)

This function calculates the right-tailed chi-squared probability for a statistic of 5.991 with 2 degrees of freedom, resulting in approximately 0.05, which indicates that there is about a 5% chance of observing a chi-squared value as extreme as 5.991 or more under the null hypothesis.

Example #2

CHIDIST(10.5, 4)

Here, CHIDIST evaluates the right-tailed probability associated with a statistic of 10.5 and 4 degrees of freedom, yielding a result around 0.032, suggesting that the result is statistically significant and should be further investigated.

Example #3

CHIDIST(15.1, 6)

In this case, the function assesses the probability corresponding to a chi-squared statistic of 15.1 with 6 degrees of freedom, returning approximately 0.018, which implies that the evidence against the null hypothesis is quite strong.

Error handling

• NUM! This error occurs if the degrees of freedom argument is less than or equal to zero.
• VALUE! This error is returned when either argument is non-numeric or when invalid arguments are provided.

Conclusion

The CHIDIST function is a powerful tool in Google Sheets for calculating the right-tailed chi-squared distribution, essential for analyzing statistical data. By understanding its syntax, implementing practical examples, and addressing potential errors, users can effectively apply this function to enhance their data analysis capabilities.