Home » Excel-Built-In-Functions » Excel-Math-Functions » Excel-Minverse-Function

Search this site: Custom Search Basic Description The Excel MINVERSE function calculates the inverse of a square matrix. The format of the function is : MINVERSE( array ) where array is an array representing a square matrix (i.e. has the same number of rows as columns). The resulting inverse matrix has the same number of rows and columns as the original supplied array.

Matrix Inversion The inverse of a square matrix is the matrix with the same dimensions that, when multiplied with the original matrix, gives the Identity Matrix: If an inverse exists, the original matrix is known as invertible. Otherwise, the orginal matrix is described as singular. Further details of the Matrix Inversion are given on Wikipedia

As the Excel Minverse function returns an array of values, the function needs to be entered as an Array Formula.

Note that the result from the Minverse function result is calculated to approximately 16 decimal places, so you may get some rounding errors.

Example

In the example below, the Excel Minverse function is used to find the inverse of the 4x4 matrix in cells A1-D4 of the example spreadsheet. The resulting 4x4 matrix is shown in cells F1-I4.

The formula for the function can be seen in the formula bar. The curly braces { } show that the function has been input as an Array Formula.

We can test the Minverse function by multiplying the two matrices in the above spreadsheet, using the Mmult Function. This gives the 4x4 Identity Matrix :

Further information and examples of the Excel Minverse function can be found on the Microsoft Office website.

Common Errors

If you get an error from your Excel Minverse function this is likely to be one of the following :

Be aware also, that if you don't highlight the full range of cells for the resulting matrix, Excel will just show the part of the result that fits into the highlighted range. There will be no error message to let you know that your highlighted range is not big enough.

This will also be the case if you fail to enter the formula as an array formula - the cell which you enter the formula into will simply show you the first entry of the resulting matrix.