How do I Calculate Statistical Percentiles?
Any numeric variable (such as height, weight, IQ, temperature, etc.) that is collected on a sample of subjects (such as people or cities) can be put in order from smallest to largest or lowest to highest. The percentiles divide this ordered list into 100 groups. The first percentile is the score that is higher than 1 percent of the subjects, the 50th percentile is the median, which is higher than half the subjects, and so on. Enter all the data in a single column in Excel. These data could be ages, weights, temperatures or any other numeric data. Go to the cell where you want the percentile to appear. This will often be the cell below the data. Choose the percentile function. In Excel 97, first click on “Formulas” then on “More functions,” then on “Statistical” and finally “Percentile.” Choose the array you want and the percentile you want. The array will be all the data you entered. You can choose it by highlighting it. The percentile could be any number from 1 to 99.
