XL: FREQUENCY() Returns Zeroes When Entered as Horizontal Array

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, version 5.0
• Microsoft Excel for Windows NT, versions 5.0, 5.0a
• Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

If the FREQUENCY function is entered as a horizontal array, regardless of the orientation of the data array or the bins array, the function returns zeros (0).

CAUSE

This problem occurs as a result of the way the FREQUENCY function processes data.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, nest the FREQUENCY function inside the TRANSPOSE function as in the following example.

Example

1. Type the following information into a worksheet:

         A1:  79     B1: Bins
         A2:  85     B2: 70
         A3:  78     B3: 79
         A4:  85     B4: 89
         A5:  83     B5:
         A6:  95     B6:
         A7:  88     B7:
         A8:  97     B8:
   
   

2. Select cells C1:F1 and type the following formula:

         =TRANSPOSE(FREQUENCY(A1:A8,B2:B4))
   

   NOTE: The above formula must be entered as an array formula. To enter a formula as an array formula in Microsoft Excel for Windows, press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER. In Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, press COMMAND+RETURN.

   C1:  0   D1:  2   E1:  4   F1:  2