# Google Sheets SKEW Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/skew-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) The SKEW function calculates the asymmetry of a data distribution, indicating whether data is skewed left or right. ``` SKEW(value1, value2) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the SKEW you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula ## Parameters **`value1`**:\ The first value or range of values for which you want to calculate the skewness. This can be a single number, a cell reference, or a range of cells. **`value2`**:\ An optional second value or range of values for which you want to calculate the skewness. If omitted, only `value1` is used in the calculation. ## What is the SKEW Function? The *SKEW* function in Google Sheets is a statistical tool used to measure the asymmetry of a distribution of values. It helps to determine whether the data is skewed to the left (negative skew) or to the right (positive skew). A skewness value of zero indicates a perfectly symmetrical distribution. In simpler terms, SKEW allows you to understand the shape of your data distribution and how much it deviates from a normal distribution. ## A Practical Example Imagine you are analyzing the test scores of a group of students: ### Test Scores Table: | StudentID | Score | | - | - | | 1 | 85 | | 2 | 90 | | 3 | 78 | | 4 | 92 | | 5 | 88 | | 6 | 95 | | 7 | 70 | You want to find out if the distribution of these test scores is skewed. ## SKEW Formula To achieve this, you would use the SKEW function as follows: ``` =SKEW(B2:B8) ``` In this formula: - `B2:B8` is the range containing the test scores. ## Result of the Formula When you apply the SKEW formula to the Test Scores Table, the output will give you a single value that indicates the skewness of the distribution. For example, if the result is `0.45`, it suggests a slight positive skew, indicating that there are more students with lower scores compared to higher scores. ## Why Use SKEW? SKEW is beneficial because it provides insights into the distribution of your data. Understanding skewness can help in making informed decisions based on the data's characteristics. For instance, if the scores are positively skewed, it may indicate that a majority of students performed below average, which could prompt further investigation into teaching methods or test difficulty. ## Key Takeaways: - **SKEW**: A statistical function that measures the asymmetry of a distribution. - **Positive Skew**: Indicates a longer tail on the right side of the distribution. - **Negative Skew**: Indicates a longer tail on the left side of the distribution. - **Common Use Cases**: Useful in analyzing test scores, financial data, and any dataset where understanding distribution shape is important. SKEW is an essential function for anyone working with data analysis in Google Sheets, providing valuable insights into the nature of your data distribution. Happy analyzing! ## Example use case You have a dataset of test scores in Column A. By using the SKEW formula, you can analyze the distribution of scores to determine if they are skewed towards higher or lower values. This helps in understanding student performance trends effectively. ## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas? Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis. [Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Google Sheets how-to guides - [How To Add A Column In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-add-a-column-in-google-sheets) - [How To Alphabetize In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-alphabetize-in-google-sheets) - [How To Autofit In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-autofit-in-google-sheets) - [How To Calculate Percentage In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-calculate-percentage-in-google-sheets) - [How To Combine Two Columns In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-combine-two-columns-in-google-sheets) - [How To Copy Formula In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-copy-formula-in-google-sheets) - [How To Count Unique Values In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-count-unique-values-in-google-sheets) - [How To Create A Pivot Table In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-create-a-pivot-table-in-google-sheets) ## Explore all Google Sheets formulas Browse our complete library of Google Sheets formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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