NORMSDIST

Calculates the standard normal distribution probability for a specific value to analyze data variability on a standardized scale.

The NORMSDIST function returns the standard normal distribution for a given value. It is a specific case of the normal distribution where the mean is 0 and the standard deviation is 1. It is used to determine the probability that a random variable falls at or below a specific point on the standard normal curve.

Syntax

NORMSDIST(value, cumulative)

Arguments

The NORMSDIST function syntax has the following required arguments:

• value - The numeric value for which you want to calculate the distribution. Required.

• cumulative - A logical value that determines the form of the function. If TRUE, it returns the cumulative distribution function; if FALSE, it returns the probability density function. Required.

Example

NORMSDIST(1, true)
// Returns 0.8413

You can use the NORMSDIST function to analyze standardized data and determine the percentile or probability of a specific outcome occurring within a standard bell curve.

NORMSDIST function

Excel Equivalent

NORMSDIST

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between the cumulative distribution function (CDF) and the probability density function (PDF)?

• The CDF (cumulative = TRUE) calculates the total area under the curve to the left of x, representing the probability that a value is less than or equal to x.

• The PDF (cumulative = FALSE) calculates the height of the curve at a specific point x, which describes the relative likelihood of the variable taking that exact value.