Excel SKEW.P Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips

The SKEW.P function calculates the skewness of a dataset, helping to analyze its distribution and identify any asymmetry present.
Excel
=SKEW.P(number1, [number2], ...)

One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward.

Need more than a single SKEW.P formula? Try our free AI for Excel — it reads your entire spreadsheet, answers questions in plain English, and builds charts and analysis in the same chat.

On this page
  1. Parameters
  2. What is a SKEW.P Formula in Excel?
  3. A Practical Example
  4. SKEW.P Formula
  5. Result of the Formula
  6. Why Use SKEW.P?
  7. Key Takeaways:
  8. Example use case

Parameters

number1:
The first number or range of numbers for which you want to calculate the population skewness.

number2:
(Optional) Additional numbers or ranges of numbers for which you want to calculate the population skewness. You can include up to 254 additional arguments.

What is a SKEW.P Formula in Excel?

The SKEW.P function in Excel is a statistical tool that calculates the skewness of a population based on a set of values. Skewness is a measure of the asymmetry of the probability distribution of a real-valued random variable about its mean. In simpler terms, the SKEW.P function helps you understand the direction and degree of skew in your data distribution.

A Practical Example

Imagine you are analyzing the test scores of a group of students, and you have the following data in an Excel spreadsheet:

Test Scores Table:

StudentTest Score
Alice85
Bob90
Charlie95
David100
Eve110

You want to find out if the distribution of test scores is skewed to the left or right.

SKEW.P Formula

To calculate the skewness of the test scores, you would use the SKEW.P formula as follows:

Excel
=SKEW.P(B2:B6)

Breakdown of the Formula:

  • B2:B6: This is the range of values for which you want to calculate the skewness.

Result of the Formula

When you apply the formula, it calculates the skewness of the test scores. The output would be:

Skewness of Test Scores
0.7071

Here, a positive skewness value indicates that the distribution of test scores is skewed to the right, meaning there are more lower scores and fewer higher scores.

Why Use SKEW.P?

The SKEW.P function is particularly useful when you need to analyze the distribution of data and understand its symmetry. It allows you to identify potential outliers and make informed decisions based on the shape of your data distribution.

Key Takeaways:

  • SKEW.P: Calculates the skewness of a population based on a set of values.
  • Understanding Data Distribution: Helps you assess the symmetry and identify potential outliers in your data.
  • Common Use Cases: Ideal for statistical analysis, quality control, and any scenario where understanding data distribution is crucial.

Understanding how to use the SKEW.P function can significantly enhance your statistical analysis capabilities in Excel, enabling you to extract meaningful insights from your datasets.

Happy analyzing!

Example use case

You have a dataset where Column A contains the test scores of students in a class and Column B contains their corresponding grades. You can use the SKEW.P function to calculate the skewness of the test scores, which helps in understanding the distribution of student performance. This allows educators to identify whether the scores are more concentrated on one side of the average, aiding in curriculum adjustments and targeted support for students who may be struggling or excelling.

Beyond the SKEW.P function: Better Analyst is a full Excel AI that goes well past individual formulas. Upload any spreadsheet and ask questions in plain English — you'll get formulas, data analysis, and charts back in seconds. It's a free AI Excel assistant that works with any .xlsx, .xls, or .csv file — no plugins, no Microsoft 365 required.

Don't have a spreadsheet yet? Use our free AI spreadsheet generator to turn a text prompt into a downloadable Excel file — a full AI Excel sheet maker that builds headers, columns, and formulas from your description.

Need more help with Excel formulas?

Create a free account for formula help, explanations, and spreadsheet analysis. Usage limits depend on your plan.

Explore all Excel formulas

Browse our complete library of Excel formula guides

Compare your options

Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch.

Open a neutral research prompt in the AI tool you already use. Compare capabilities, limitations, and fit before you choose.

  1. 01ChatGPTOpen a balanced comparison prompt in ChatGPT.
  2. 02ClaudeOpen the same research prompt in Claude.
  3. 03PerplexityResearch the comparison with linked web sources.

AI answers can be incomplete. Check source links, current pricing, and product documentation before deciding.