How to use GAMMALN Google Sheets formula?

The syntax for the GAMMALN formula is =GAMMALN(value), it has 1 required parameter.

Why is GAMMALN Google Sheets formula not working?

One common reason the GAMMALN formula may not be working is due to not providing a value. This will return an error if the value is not provided as it is a required argument.

GAMMALN

The GAMMALN function returns the natural logarithm of the absolute value of the Gamma function, Γ(x). The Gamma function is defined as an extension of the factorial function to complex and real numbers. The function is commonly used in probability theory and statistics to compute probabilities and to model continuous distributions such as the chi-squared and F distributions.

How to use GAMMALN formula?
Examples of using GAMMALN formula
GAMMALN formula not working?
Similar formulas to GAMMALN

Usage

Use the GAMMALN formula with the syntax shown below, it has 1 required parameter:

=GAMMALN(value)

Parameters:

value (required):
The value for which to compute the natural logarithm of the absolute value of the Gamma function. Value must be positive and cannot be 0.

Examples

Here are a few example use cases that explain how to use the GAMMALN formula in Google Sheets.

Compute probabilities for the chi-squared distribution

The chi-squared distribution is used to model the sum of squared random variables. The GAMMALN function can be used to compute probabilities for this distribution by first computing the natural logarithm of the Gamma function and then using it in the probability density function.

Compute probabilities for the F distribution

The F distribution is used to model the ratio of variances of two populations. The GAMMALN function can be used to compute probabilities for this distribution by first computing the natural logarithm of the Gamma function and then using it in the probability density function.

Compute the logarithm of large factorials

The Gamma function is an extension of the factorial function to real and complex numbers. The GAMMALN function can be used to compute the natural logarithm of large factorials by first computing the natural logarithm of the Gamma function and then applying Stirling's approximation.

Common Mistakes

GAMMALN not working? Here are some common mistakes people make when using the GAMMALN Google Sheets Formula:

Not providing a value

This will return an error if the value is not provided as it is a required argument.

Providing a non-numeric value

This will return an error if the value provided is not a number.

Using a negative value

This will return an error if the value provided is negative.

The following functions are similar to GAMMALN or are often used with it in a formula:

GAMMA
The GAMMA function returns the Gamma function evaluated at the input value. The Gamma function is a commonly used function in mathematics, and is used in many statistical calculations. It is defined as the integral of t^(x-1)*e^(-t) from 0 to infinity. The GAMMA function can be used to calculate probabilities of certain events in statistical distributions.
LN
The LN formula returns the natural logarithm of a given value. The natural logarithm is the logarithm to the base e, where e is an irrational number approximately equal to 2.71828. The formula is commonly used in mathematical and scientific calculations.
EXP
The EXP function returns the result of e raised to the power of a given exponent. This function is commonly used in mathematical and scientific calculations.
ERF
The ERF function calculates the error function of a given value. The error function returns the probability of a normal variable with a mean of zero and a standard deviation of one falling between two values. This function is commonly used in statistics and engineering applications.

Learn More

You can learn more about the GAMMALN Google Sheets function on Google Support.