Correlation

A correlation of two values describes the degree to which the values are related or associated. Values that are closely related with either a positive or negative correlation will have a correlation close to 1 or -1 respectively, while values that are not correlated at all will have a correlation close to 0.

To determine the correlation of two values while applying a weight to the comparisons, see WeightedCorr (weighted correlation).

This function is the same as Pearson (Pearson product moment correlation coefficient).

Syntax

Correlation <FactID> (Argument1, Argument2)

Where:

FactID is a parameter that forces a calculation to take place on a fact table that contains the selected fact.

Argument1 and Argument2 are lists of values represented by facts or metrics.

Usage Notes

The correlation coefficient is measured on a scale that varies from + 1 through 0 to - 1. So only a value between -1 and 1 is returned.

Complete correlation between two variables is expressed by either + 1 or -1. When one variable increases as the other increases, the correlation is positive; when one decreases as the other increases, the correlation is negative. Complete absence of correlation is represented by 0.

If an array or reference argument contains text, logical values, or empty cells, those values are ignored; however, cells with the value zero are included.

If Argument1 and Argument2 have a different number of data points, Correlation returns an error.

If either Argument1 or Argument2 is empty, or if the standard deviation of their values equals zero, Correlation returns an error.