MINVERSE
Returns the inverse matrix for a square invertible array. Used to solve linear systems and in many engineering/statistics applications.
MINVERSE(array)Arguments
arrayA square numeric array with a non-zero determinant.
=MINVERSE({4,3;6,3})Inverse of a 2×2 matrix
=MINVERSE(A1:C3)Inverse of a 3×3 range
- •Returns #NUM! if the determinant is 0 (matrix is singular)
- •Returns #VALUE! if the array is not square
- •In legacy Excel, enter as an array formula with Ctrl+Shift+Enter; modern Excel spills automatically
- •Applying MINVERSE to a matrix whose determinant is 0, which returns a #NUM! error since a singular matrix has no inverse - check with MDETERM first if this is a possibility
- •Applying MINVERSE to a non-square array, which returns a #VALUE! error since only square matrices can have an inverse
- •Forgetting to enter MINVERSE as an array formula in older Excel versions (Ctrl+Shift+Enter), which can cause it to return only a single value instead of the full inverse matrix
MDETERMCalculates a matrix's determinant, which must be nonzero for MINVERSE to succeed - a quick way to check before attempting the inverse.MMULTMultiplying a matrix by its own inverse (calculated with MINVERSE) should produce the identity matrix, a useful way to verify the inverse was calculated correctly.MUNITGenerates the identity matrix, the expected result when multiplying a matrix by its MINVERSE-calculated inverse.Why does MINVERSE return a #NUM! error?
The matrix's determinant is 0, meaning it's singular and has no inverse. Use MDETERM to check the determinant first if you're not sure whether an inverse exists.
Why does MINVERSE return a #VALUE! error?
The array isn't square - only square matrices (same number of rows and columns) can have an inverse.
Do I need to press Ctrl+Shift+Enter for MINVERSE?
In older Excel versions, yes - MINVERSE returns an array, and without entering it as an array formula, you'd only see the top-left value. In Excel 365, it spills automatically into adjacent cells.
Need to translate a formula using MINVERSE?
Use our translator to convert your complete formula