Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
Sample interpolation target: x = 2.5. Expected result: 15.625000.
| Index | xi | yi | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | Known point |
| 1 | 2 | 8 | Known point |
| 2 | 3 | 27 | Known point |
| 3 | 4 | 64 | Known point |
Formula Used
Neville interpolation builds the result recursively from known points. The base term is:
P[i,i](x) = yi
The recursive relation is:
P[i,j](x) = ((x - xi)P[i+1,j](x) - (x - xj)P[i,j-1](x)) / (xj - xi)
The final interpolated value is P[0,n-1](x), where n is the total number of data points.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the x-values in order, separated by commas, spaces, or line breaks.
- Enter the matching y-values in the same order.
- Provide the target x where you need an estimated y value.
- Choose decimal precision and optional graph sampling density.
- Optionally set custom graph minimum and maximum x limits.
- Click the calculate button to generate the result, table, and graph.
- Use the CSV button for tabular export and the PDF button for report output.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Neville interpolation calculate?
It estimates an unknown y-value at a chosen x using known data points. The method builds the answer recursively through a triangular interpolation table.
2. When should I use Neville interpolation instead of linear interpolation?
Use Neville interpolation when you need a smoother polynomial estimate from several known points. Linear interpolation only uses two nearby points and gives straight-line estimates.
3. Do my x-values need to be sorted?
Sorting is helpful for reading results, but the recursion can still work with unsorted distinct x-values. Matching x and y positions correctly remains essential.
4. Can this calculator extrapolate outside the data range?
Yes. If the target x falls outside the known x-range, the tool labels the result as extrapolation. Extrapolated values can be less reliable than interpolated ones.
5. Why are duplicate x-values invalid?
Duplicate x-values make the denominator xj − xi equal zero. That breaks the recurrence and makes the interpolation undefined.
6. How accurate is the interpolated result?
Accuracy depends on point quality, spacing, rounding, and the behavior of the underlying function. More points do not always improve real-world reliability.
7. What does the Neville table show?
It shows how the algorithm combines smaller interpolations into larger ones. The last value in the top row is the final estimated result.
8. What do the CSV and PDF exports include?
The CSV export includes the input data, final estimate, and Neville table. The PDF export captures the visible result section for reporting.