Summary

The Excel PERCENTRANK function returns the rank of a value in a data set as a percentage of the data set. You can use PERCENTRANK to find the relative standing of a value within a data set. Percentile rank is commonly used as a way to interpret standing in standardized tests.

Purpose 

Get percentile rank, inclusive

Return value 

Calculated rank as a decimal value

Arguments 

  • array - Array of data values.
  • x - Value to rank.
  • significance - [optional] Number of significant digits in result. Defaults to 3.

Syntax 

=PERCENTRANK(array, x, [significance])

Usage notes 

The Excel PERCENTRANK shows the relative standing of a value within a data set as a percentage.

For example, a test score greater than 80% of all test scores is said to be at the 80th percentile. In this case, PERCENTRANK will assign a rank of .80 to the score.

In the example shown, the formula in C5 is:

=PERCENTRANK(data,B5)

where "data" is the named range C5:C12.

Note: Microsoft classifies PERCENTRANK as a "compatibility function", now replaced by the PERCENTRANK.INC function.

Inclusive vs. Exclusive

Starting with Excel 2010, the PERCENTRANK function has been replaced by two functions: PERCENTRANK.INC and PERCENTRANK.EXC. The INC version represents "inclusive" behavior, and the EXC version represents "exclusive" behavior. Both formulas use the same arguments.

  • Use the PERCENTRANK.EXC function to determine the percentage rank exclusive of the first and last values in the array.
  • Use the PERCENTRANK.INC or PERCENTRANK to find the percentage rank inclusive of the first and last values in the array. 

Notes

  • If x does not exist in the array, PERCENTRANK interpolates to find the percentage rank.
  • When significance is omitted PERCENTRANK returns three significant digits (0.xxx)
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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.