The F.INV function in Google Sheets is designed to calculate the inverse of the F-distribution. This function is especially useful in statistical analysis, particularly for hypothesis testing and determining critical values in ANOVA tests.

Syntax

F.INV(probability, deg_freedom1, deg_freedom2) 

• probability: The probability associated with the F-distribution.
• deg_freedom1: The degree of freedom for the numerator.
• deg_freedom2: The degree of freedom for the denominator.

Example #1

F.INV(0.95, 3, 5)

This function calculates the critical value of the F-distribution for a probability of 0.95 with a numerator degree of freedom of 3 and a denominator degree of freedom of 5. The result is approximately 4.4.

Example #2

F.INV(0.99, 10, 15)

This function determines the critical value for an F-distribution at a probability of 0.99, with its numerator having 10 degrees of freedom and 15 degrees of freedom for the denominator. The result is roughly 5.73.

Example #3

F.INV(0.90, 4, 8)

In this case, the function finds the critical value corresponding to a 0.90 probability with 4 degrees of freedom in the numerator and 8 in the denominator. The output is approximately 3.54.

Error handling

• NUM! This indicates that the probability is less than 0 or greater than 1, which is invalid.
• VALUE! This error occurs if any of the degrees of freedom parameters are non-numeric or less than 1.

Conclusion

The F.INV function is a valuable tool for statisticians and researchers, enabling them to derive essential critical values from the F-distribution. Proper usage of this function can enhance the efficiency of hypothesis testing and statistical analysis.