Syntax
SKEW(value1, [value2, ...])
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| value1 | Parameter of the SKEW function. |
| [value2 | (Optional.) Parameter of the SKEW function. |
| ...] | Parameter of the SKEW function. |
Examples
Income distribution skewness
Formula
=SKEW(B2:B1000)
Returns a positive value for income data, indicating right skew — a few high earners pull the distribution to the right.
Test score symmetry
Formula
=SKEW(C2:C200)
A value near 0 indicates the scores are roughly symmetric around the mean, suggesting normal distribution may be appropriate.
Checking for normality
Formula
=ABS(SKEW(D2:D500)) < 0.5
Returns TRUE if skewness is between -0.5 and 0.5, a common rule-of-thumb threshold for acceptable symmetry.
Common Errors
#DIV/0!
Fewer than 3 data points. Skewness requires at least 3 numeric values.
#VALUE!
Non-numeric direct arguments.
Tips
Interpreting the sign
Positive skew: mean > median (right tail). Negative skew: mean < median (left tail). Zero: symmetric distribution.
When skew matters
High skewness means the median is a better measure of center than the mean. For right-skewed salary data, report the median salary.
Rule of thumb
Skewness between -1 and 1 is considered mild. Between -2 and 2 is moderate. Beyond that, the distribution is heavily skewed and may need transformation.
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