The BETAINV function in Excel returns the inverse of the cumulative beta probability density function.
It is commonly used in statistics, probability analysis, finance, and risk modeling when you need to
determine a value associated with a given probability.
What Is the BETAINV Function?
BETAINV calculates the value x such that the cumulative beta distribution equals a specified probability.
In simpler terms, it answers the question:
“Given a probability, what value corresponds to it in a beta distribution?”
BETAINV Syntax
=BETAINV(probability, alpha, beta, [A], [B])Arguments
- probability – A value between 0 and 1.
- alpha – Shape parameter of the distribution.
- beta – Second shape parameter.
- A – (Optional) Lower bound of the interval (default 0).
- B – (Optional) Upper bound of the interval (default 1).
BETAINV Examples
Basic Example
=BETAINV(0.5, 2, 5)This returns the midpoint value of a beta distribution with alpha = 2 and beta = 5.
Using Custom Bounds
=BETAINV(0.25, 5, 2, 10, 20)This scales the beta distribution between 10 and 20.
Download the BETAINV Excel Template
⬇ Download BETAINV_Excel_Template.xlsx
This Excel template includes multiple BETAINV examples with different probability values,
shape parameters, and custom bounds to help you understand the function step by step.
BETAINV vs BETADIST
| Function | Purpose |
|---|---|
| BETADIST | Returns probability for a given x value |
| BETAINV | Returns x value for a given probability |
Common Use Cases
- Statistical modeling
- Risk and uncertainty analysis
- Financial simulations
- Quality control
- Probability distribution analysis
Important Notes
- Probability must be between 0 and 1.
- Alpha and beta must be positive numbers.
- If A and B are omitted, the range defaults to 0–1.
- BETAINV returns a numeric value.
Final Thoughts
The BETAINV function is a powerful statistical tool in Excel that helps you work backward from
probabilities to values. When combined with other statistical functions, it becomes essential
for advanced data analysis and modeling.
Download the Excel template above to practice BETAINV with real examples.
BETAINV vs BETA.INV (Important Update)
In newer versions of Excel, the BETAINV function has been replaced by
BETA.INV. While BETAINV still works for backward compatibility,
Microsoft recommends using BETA.INV for new spreadsheets.
| Function | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BETAINV | Legacy | Inverse beta distribution (older Excel) |
| BETA.INV | Recommended | Modern replacement with same functionality |
Syntax Comparison
=BETAINV(probability, alpha, beta, [A], [B])=BETA.INV(probability, alpha, beta, [A], [B])Both functions return the same results when given identical inputs.
Tip: If you are using Excel 2010 or later, consider switching to
BETA.INV for better compatibility with future Excel versions.