Function Problems

How to Fix Excel Analysis ToolPak ADTEST Function Not Working

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to use the ADTEST function in Excel, potentially related to the Analysis ToolPak, and needs to determine why it is failing or unrecognized.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to perform statistical analysis using the ADTEST function within an Excel workbook.
Observed behavior: The ADTEST function returns an error or does not compute, leaving it unclear whether the entire Analysis ToolPak is malfunctioning or just this specific function.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, check if the cell containing the ADTEST formula displays a #NAME? error, which usually indicates that a required custom add-in is missing or disabled.

Solution 1Recommended

Identify if ADTEST is a Custom Add-in or Formula Typo

ADTEST is not a native Excel Analysis ToolPak function; it usually requires a third-party statistical add-in. Verifying add-ins can quickly resolve the unrecognized function issue.

Because ADTEST (typically used for the Anderson-Darling test) is not a built-in feature of the standard Excel Analysis ToolPak, its failure usually means the specific third-party add-in that provides it is disabled, missing, or the function name was typed incorrectly.

Check for Typos

Click on the cell with the error and review the formula bar to ensure the function is spelled exactly as required by your specific add-in.

Verify Add-in Installation

Go to File > Options > Add-ins to check if the specific third-party statistical tool (such as Real Statistics Resource Pack) providing the ADTEST function is listed under Active Application Add-ins.

Re-enable Add-in

If the required add-in is disabled, select 'Excel Add-ins' from the Manage dropdown at the bottom of the window, click Go, check the box next to your statistical add-in, and click OK.

Custom Functions Required: If you migrated this workbook from another computer, you must install the exact same third-party add-in on your current machine for the custom ADTEST function to work.

Solution 2

Test the Entire Analysis ToolPak

Determine if the built-in Analysis ToolPak is functioning correctly to isolate the issue to the custom ADTEST function.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ADTEST a standard Excel function?

No, ADTEST (often representing the Anderson-Darling test) is not included in the standard Excel formula library or the default Analysis ToolPak. It typically requires a custom VBA script or a third-party statistical add-in.

How do I enable the standard Analysis ToolPak in Excel?

Go to File > Options > Add-ins. In the Manage box at the bottom, select Excel Add-ins and click Go. Check the box for Analysis ToolPak and click OK.

Why does my Excel formula show a #NAME? error?

The #NAME? error occurs when Excel does not recognize text in a formula. This commonly happens if a function name like ADTEST is misspelled, or if the third-party add-in that provides the custom function is not activated.

How can I perform an Anderson-Darling test without the ADTEST function?

You can manually calculate the Anderson-Darling statistic by setting up a multi-step calculation table using standard Excel functions like NORM.S.DIST, RANK, and LOG, or you can download a specialized statistical add-in that features the test.

Excel & Data Problems