F-Test in Excel
This example explains how to carry out an F-test in Excel. The F-test helps to compare the variability of two populations to see if they are similar.
Here is the list of study hours for 6 female students and 5 male students.
H0: σ12 = σ22
H1: σ12 ≠ σ22
To perform an F-test, execute the following steps.
1. Under the Data tab, go to the Analysis group and click on Data Analysis.
Note: can’t find the Data Analysis button? Click here to know how to load the Analysis ToolPak add-in.
2. Select F-Test Two-Sample for Variances from the list, and click OK to continue.
3. In the Variable 1 Range box, click once and choose the cells from A2 to A7.
4. Click inside the Variable 2 Range box, then select the cells from B2 to B6.
5. Click inside the Output Range box, then select cell E1.
6. Click OK.
Result:
Important: Make sure that the variance of Variable 1 is greater than the variance of Variable 2. This is the case, 160 > 21.7. If not, swap your data. Therefore, Excel gives the correct F value by dividing the first variance by the second variance (F = 160 / 21.7 = 7.373).
Conclusion: When the F value is higher than the F critical value (one-tailed), the null hypothesis is rejected. This is the case, 7.373 > 6.256. Therefore, we reject the null hypothesis. The variances of the two populations are unequal.
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