Summary

The Excel DELTA function will test if two numeric values are equal. When values are equal, DELTA returns 1, otherwise, DELTA returns zero.

Purpose 

Test two values are equal

Return value 

The number one or zero

Syntax

=DELTA(number1,[number2])
  • number1 - The first number.
  • number2 - [optional] The second number.

How to use 

The DELTA function tests two numeric values for equality. When values are equal, DELTA returns 1. When values are different, DELTA returns zero. As a result, DELTA can be used to easily count pairs of equal numbers.

For example:

=DELTA(5,4) // returns 0
=DELTA(3,3) // returns 1

In the example shown, the formula in D6, copied down, is:

=DELTA(B6,C6)

Notes:

  1. If number2 is left blank, DELTA assumes number2 equals zero
  2. If either value is text, DELTA returns the #VALUE error.
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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.