The Google Sheets function SKEW.P is a valuable analytical tool that quantifies the skewness of a dataset. Skewness indicates the asymmetry of a distribution, allowing users to discern whether the data tail extends more towards the left or right. Understanding skewness is fundamental in statistics as it affects the interpretation of data, particularly in fields such as finance, quality control, and research. SKEW.P computes this measure specifically for populations, providing insights that can guide decision-making and analysis.

Syntax

SKEW.P(data)

• data: A range of numbers that you want to analyze for skewness.

Example #1

SKEW.P(A1:A10)

This function computes the skewness for the dataset in the range A1 to A10. If the values in A1 to A10 are {5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 12, 15, 18, 25}, the result would be approximately 1.2, indicating a right skew.

Example #2

SKEW.P(B1:B20)

By applying this function to the dataset in B1 through B20, where the values are {2, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 10, 12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 16, 20, 22}, the output might be around -0.5, suggesting a slight left skew.

Example #3

SKEW.P(C1:C8)

For the dataset in C1 through C8, which contains {30, 32, 31, 33, 28, 35, 39, 40}, this function would yield a result of approximately 0.5, indicating a slight right skew.

Error handling

• NUM! – Occurs if the data range does not contain enough numerical data points (at least 2).
• VALUE! – Indicates that the data input is not a valid range of numbers.
• N/A – This error may occur if the supplied range is empty or invalid.

Conclusion

In summary, the SKEW.P function in Google Sheets provides a robust method for measuring the skewness of a population dataset. By understanding the skewness of your data, you can gain deeper insights into its distribution and make more informed decisions based on statistical analysis. Utilizing this function alongside other statistical tools can enhance your overall analytical capabilities.