How to use PROB function in Excel?

The PROB function in Excel is used to calculate the probability that values in a range are within specified limits. It requires sets of values and corresponding probabilities. Here’s how you can use the PROB function:

Syntax

PROB(x_range, prob_range, [lower_limit], [upper_limit])

x_range: This is the range of numeric values of x.
prob_range: This is the range of probabilities that corresponds to the values in `x_range`. The sum of the probabilities in this range must equal 1.
lower_limit: This is the lower bound value of the interval for which you want to calculate the probability. If this argument is omitted, the PROB function returns the probability of the single specified `lower_limit`.
upper_limit: This optional parameter is the upper bound value of the interval. If omitted, the function calculates the probability of `x_range` value equal to `lower_limit`.

Steps to Use the PROB Function

    Values (x) | Probabilities
    ---------------------------
    1          | 0.1
    2          | 0.3
    3          | 0.4
    4          | 0.2

     =PROB(A2:A5, B2:B5, 2)

     =PROB(A2:A5, B2:B5, 2, 3)

Organize Your Data: Ensure you have two columns of data: one for your values (x_range) and one for their corresponding probabilities (prob_range). Ensure that the sum of the probabilities equals 1.
Select a Cell for the Formula: Click the cell where you want the probability result to appear.
Enter the Formula:

To find the probability that x equals 2 (lower and upper limits are the same):
To find the probability that x is between 2 and 3:

Press Enter: The result will display the probability based on the range you set, using the specified limits.

Important Notes

Ensure that `prob_range` is in the same order as `x_range` as they correspond to each other.
The probabilities in `prob_range` can sum up to 1. If they do not, you will get an error.
Both `lower_limit` and `upper_limit` should be within the range of `x_range`, otherwise the function will return an error.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the PROB function in Excel to compute probabilities for ranges of values based on specified limits.

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