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NORMDIST in Excel (Normal Distribution)

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Updated Dec 20, 2024
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Part of our Statistical Functions in Excel guide · 38 articles →

Normal Distribution in Excel (NORMDIST)

NORMDIST or normal distribution is an inbuilt statistical function of Excel that calculates the normal distribution of a data set for which the mean and standard deviation are given.

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NORMDIST function accepts four arguments–X value, mean, standard deviation, and cumulative value. Excel 2010 replaced the NORMDIST function with NORM.DIST function.

Syntax

The syntax of the normal distribution in Excel is mentioned as follows:

NORMDIST in Excel (Normal Distribution)

The arguments of the NORM.DIST function are listed as follows:

  • X: This is the value for which we calculate the normal distribution.
  • Mean: This is the average value of the distribution, i.e., the mean value.
  • Standard Deviation: This is the standard deviation of the distribution.
  • Cumulative: This is a logical value that determines the type of distribution to be used.

If the cumulative value is “true,” the function returns the cumulative normal distribution function (CDF). If the cumulative value is “false,” the function returns the normal probability density function (PDF).

Note: The NORMDIST function exists in the recent versions of Excel to support compatibility with the previous versions. However, it may not be available in future versions of Excel.

NORMDIST Formula in Excel 1

How to Use NORMDIST in Excel? (With Examples)

Example #1

We have the stock price data of an organization. The stipulated stock price is 115, the overall average stock price is 90, and the standard deviation is 16.

We need to calculate the probability of the stock price at and below 115.

NORMDIST Function in Excel Example 1

Let us apply the NORM.DIST in Excel.

X is the initial stock price. The mean is the overall average price. The standard deviation is given in cell B4. The distribution type used is “1,” meaning TRUE.

NORMDIST Function in Excel Example 1-1

The result is 0.9409, which means roughly 94% of the stocks have a price below 115. In other words, the chance that the stock has a price above 115 is less than 6%.

NORMDIST Function in Excel Example 1-2

Let us change the distribution type to the normal probability density function, i.e., FALSE (0). We get the following result.

NORMDIST Function in Excel Example 1-3

The NORM.DIST function returns the value 0.0074, indicating that 0.74% of the stocks have their price equal to 115.

Example #2

Let us consider the following data for normal distribution in Excel.

  • Sample of the population (X) = 200
  • Mean or average value = 198
  • Standard deviation = 25
NORMDIST Function in Excel Example 2

Let us apply cumulative normal distribution in Excel.

NORMDIST Function in Excel Example 2-1

The normal distribution value is 0.53188, i.e., the probability is 53.18%.

NORMDIST Function in Excel Example 2-2

The Characteristics of the Normal Distribution Function

  • The NORM.DIST function accepts only numerical values.
  • The NORMDIST function returns “#NUM! error” if the standard deviation supplied is less than or equal to zero.
  • The NORMDIST function returns “#VALUE! error” if any of the supplied arguments is a non-numeric value.
  • The normal PDF is a bell-shaped curve.
  • The NORM.DIST function requires the mean and standard deviation which can be calculated by average function and STDEV.S function respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NORM.DIST function in Excel used for?

The NORM.DIST function calculates the PDF and the CDF of a data set. The function returns the probability that the variable X falls below or at a given value.

The NORM.DIST function is used in stock markets to quantify risk and return. It helps strike a balance between the risk and return of an investment. This function is also used in hypothesis testing.

How does the NORM.DIST function work in Excel?

The output of a normal distribution is a bell-shaped curve defined by its input value, X. The CDF returns the probability of a number below a given value. The PDF returns the probability of a number at a point in the data set.

If the cumulative value is “true,” the NORM.DIST function returns a value that is equal to the area on the left side of the input. However, if the cumulative value is “false,” the function returns a value that corresponds with the input value on the curve.

What is the NORM.S.DIST function in Excel?

The NORM.S.DIST function calculates the standard normal distribution for a specific value. The mean of a standard normal distribution is zero and the standard deviation is one.

The formula of NORM.S.DIST function is stated as follows: “=NORM.S.DIST(z,cumulative)”

“z” is the value for which we want the distribution. “Cumulative” determines the type of distribution to be returned.

  • The NORMDIST function calculates the normal distribution of a data set for which the mean and standard deviation are given.
  • The NORMDIST function accepts four arguments–X value, mean, standard deviation, and cumulative value.
  • If the cumulative value is “true,” the NORMDIST function returns the cumulative normal distribution function (CDF).
  • If the cumulative value is “false,” the NORMDIST function returns the normal probability density function (PDF).
  • The normal PDF is a bell-shaped curve.
  • The NORMDIST function returns two kinds of errors in Excel–“#NUM!” and “#VALUE!.”

This has been a guide to the NORMDIST function in Excel. Here we discuss how to use the Normal Distribution function in Excel along with examples and downloadable templates. You may also look at these useful Excel tools –

Explore the full Statistical Functions in Excel guide or browse Excel Resources.