PERCENTRANK Function in Excel

Syntax

Below is the syntax of the PERCENTRANK function.

  • Array: This is the range of value against which we are giving rank.

  • x: This is nothing but the individual value from the lot.[Significance]: It is an optional parameter. We can use this argument if we want to see decimal places. For example, if the rank percentage is 58.56% and we want to see two-digit decimal values, we can enter the significance number as 2. It will show the percentage as 58.00%. It will take three digits of significance by default if you ignore it.

Examples

Example #1

Let us start the example with a simple series of numbers. Consider the below series of numbers for this example.

Copy and paste the above data to a worksheet.

Also, drag the formula to the below cells as well.

  • Open PERCENTRANK function We must first open the Excel PERCENTRANK function in cell B2. Select Number of Range as Absolute Reference The first argument of the PERCENTRANK function is “Array,” i.e., our total numbers range from A2 to A11, so select this range as the reference and make it an absolute reference. Now, select x reference value. Next, we must select cell A2 as the x reference. As of now, ignore [significance] argument, and close the bracket. Next, press the Enter key to get the result.

We must first open the Excel PERCENTRANK function in cell B2.

The first argument of the PERCENTRANK function is “Array,” i.e., our total numbers range from A2 to A11, so select this range as the reference and make it an absolute reference.

Next, we must select cell A2 as the x reference. As of now, ignore [significance] argument, and close the bracket.

Now, closely look at the numbers. Let us go from the bottom.

We have number 3 for the first three values, so the first lowest number in the array always ranks as 0.000%.

Let us now go to the next value, 4. This number is ranked as 33.333% because number 4 is the 4th positioned number in the range of values. Below this number 4, there are 3 values. And above this number, there are 6 values, so the percentage is arrived at using the below equation.

i.e. 3 / (3 + 6)

= 33.333%

Similarly, the top value in the range is 15, and it is ranked as 100%, which is equivalent to a rank of 1.

Example #2

Now, look at the below scores of students in an examination.

Using this data, we will find the percentage rank. Below is the formula applied for these numbers.

Step 1: Open the PERCENTRANK function

We must first open the PERCENTRANK function in cell C2.

Step 2: Select Number of Range as Absolute Reference

The first argument of the PERCENTRANK function is “Array,” i.e., our total numbers range from B2 to B11. So, we must select this range as the reference and make it an absolute reference.

Step 3: Now select x reference value.

Next, we must select cell B2 as the “x” reference. As of now, ignore [significance] argument, and close the bracket.

Step 4: Hit the Enter key to get the result.

Also, drag the formula to the below cells.

The lowest value in the range is 326 (B8 cell). It has a rank of 0.00%, and the highest value in the range is 589 (B4 cell). Therefore, it has been given a rank of 100%.

We will give the significance parameter as 2 and see what happens.

The decimal places are rounded to the below number, as we can see above. So, for example, in cell C2, without using a parameter, we have got 88.80%, but this time we have got only 88.00% because of the significant value of 2.

Things to Remember Here

  • We must remember that only numerical values work for this function.If the significance value is <=0, we will get #NUM! Error.The Array and the “x” value should not be empty.

This article has been a guide to Excel PERCENTRANK. Here, we discuss how to calculate the PERCENTRANK for numbers or scores of students using the PERCENTRANK function along with examples and downloadable Excel templates. You can learn more about Excel functions from the following articles: –

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