SKEW

In this comprehensive article, we will explore everything you need to know about the SKEW function in Excel. The SKEW function is a statistical formula that calculates the skewness of a dataset. Skewness is a measure of the asymmetry of the probability distribution of a real-valued random variable about its mean. In other words, it helps you understand the shape of the distribution of your data. A positive skew indicates that the data is skewed to the right, while a negative skew indicates that the data is skewed to the left. A skewness of zero indicates a perfectly symmetrical dataset.

SKEW Syntax

The syntax for the SKEW function in Excel is as follows:

=SKEW(number1, [number2], …)

The SKEW function takes at least one argument (number1) and can accept additional numbers as optional arguments. The function calculates the skewness of the dataset based on the given numbers. It is important to note that the SKEW function requires at least three data points to return a meaningful result.

SKEW Examples

Let’s look at some examples of how to use the SKEW function in Excel:

Example 1: You have a dataset with the following values: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. To calculate the skewness of this dataset, you would use the following formula:

=SKEW(2, 4, 6, 8, 10)

This formula would return a skewness of 0, indicating that the dataset is perfectly symmetrical.

Example 2: You have a dataset with the following values: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. To calculate the skewness of this dataset, you would use the following formula:

=SKEW(1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11)

This formula would return a skewness of 0, indicating that the dataset is perfectly symmetrical.

Example 3: You have a dataset with the following values: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20. To calculate the skewness of this dataset, you would use the following formula:

=SKEW(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20)

This formula would return a positive skewness value, indicating that the dataset is skewed to the right.

SKEW Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the SKEW function in Excel:

1. Remember that the SKEW function requires at least three data points to return a meaningful result. If you have fewer than three data points, the function will return a #DIV/0! error.
2. If you have a large dataset, you can use the SKEW function with a range of cells instead of listing each value individually. For example, if your data is in cells A1:A10, you can use the following formula:

=SKEW(A1:A10)

3. Keep in mind that the SKEW function is sensitive to outliers. Extreme values in your dataset can significantly impact the skewness calculation. Consider removing or adjusting outliers before calculating skewness if they are not representative of your data.
4. Use the SKEW.P function if you want to calculate the skewness of an entire population rather than a sample. The syntax for the SKEW.P function is the same as the SKEW function.

Common Mistakes When Using SKEW

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the SKEW function in Excel:

1. Not providing at least three data points: As mentioned earlier, the SKEW function requires at least three data points to return a meaningful result. If you have fewer than three data points, the function will return a #DIV/0! error.
2. Using the wrong function for population skewness: If you want to calculate the skewness of an entire population rather than a sample, use the SKEW.P function instead of the SKEW function.
3. Not considering the impact of outliers: Extreme values in your dataset can significantly impact the skewness calculation. Be sure to consider the impact of outliers on your skewness result and adjust your data accordingly if necessary.

Why Isn’t My SKEW Function Working?

If you’re having trouble with the SKEW function in Excel, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

1. Ensure that you have provided at least three data points in your formula. If you have fewer than three data points, the function will return a #DIV/0! error.
2. Check for any errors in your data or formula syntax. Make sure you have entered the correct cell references or values and that your formula is properly formatted.
3. Consider the impact of outliers on your skewness result. If your dataset contains extreme values that are not representative of your data, consider removing or adjusting them before calculating skewness.

SKEW: Related Formulae

Here are some related formulae that you might find useful when working with the SKEW function in Excel:

1. AVERAGE: Calculates the average (arithmetic mean) of a dataset. Syntax: =AVERAGE(number1, [number2], …)
2. MEDIAN: Calculates the median (middle value) of a dataset. Syntax: =MEDIAN(number1, [number2], …)
3. MODE: Calculates the mode (most frequently occurring value) of a dataset. Syntax: =MODE(number1, [number2], …)
4. STDEV: Calculates the standard deviation of a sample dataset. Syntax: =STDEV(number1, [number2], …)
5. KURT: Calculates the kurtosis of a dataset, which is a measure of the “tailedness” of the probability distribution. Syntax: =KURT(number1, [number2], …)

By mastering the SKEW function and related formulae, you can gain a deeper understanding of the distribution and shape of your data, enabling you to make more informed decisions and analyses.