The `NORMDIST` function in Excel is used to calculate the normal distribution (also known as the Gaussian distribution) for a given set of parameters. If you’re using a newer version of Excel, you might find it replaced by the `NORM.DIST` function, which operates similarly. Here’s how you can use it:
Syntax
For the `NORMDIST` function:
NORMDIST(x, mean, standard_dev, cumulative)
For the newer `NORM.DIST` function:
NORM.DIST(x, mean, standard_dev, cumulative)
Parameters
- x: The value for which you want the distribution.
- mean: The arithmetic mean of the distribution.
- standard_dev: The standard deviation of the distribution.
- cumulative: A logical value that determines the form of the function. If TRUE, `NORMDIST` returns the cumulative distribution function; if FALSE, it returns the probability density function.
Steps to Use
=NORMDIST(50, 40, 10, TRUE)
- Open Excel and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
- Enter the formula using the required parameters. For example:
or with the newer function:
=NORM.DIST(50, 40, 10, TRUE)
- Press Enter to get the result. The formula will compute the normal distribution for the specified `x`, `mean`, and `standard_dev`.
Example
Suppose you want to calculate the cumulative normal distribution of a test score `x` of 50, with a mean (`mean`) of 40, and a standard deviation (`standard_dev`) of 10. For this, you would use:
=NORM.DIST(50, 40, 10, TRUE)
Or, in the older versions:
=NORMDIST(50, 40, 10, TRUE)
Notes
- If you need only the probability density function, set `cumulative` to `FALSE`.
- Always ensure that `standard_dev` is greater than 0; otherwise, Excel will return an error.
- Remember that this function assumes a continuous normal distribution and is applicable only for such data.
By using these steps and examples, you can successfully calculate the normal distribution in Excel using the `NORMDIST` or `NORM.DIST` function.
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