Excel: Show normal distribution - how it works
If you want to display a normal distribution in Excel, you only need the correct function. In this article you will learn what it is and how to use it correctly.
Show normal distribution in Excel
You represent the normal distribution in Excel using a formula. For this to work, you first have to create a table with the necessary data. Of course, you can deviate from our example:
- As an example, fill cells A1 to A11 with your database. In our example, this consists of the numbers from 0 to 100 in steps of ten.
- Select cell B1 with the mouse, switch to the "Formulas" tab at the top and click on the "Insert function" button.
- Select "Statistics" as the category and "NORM.DIST" as the function. If you confirm the process with the "OK" button, another window opens.
- Enter the line "A1" in the line "X" and select the value "0" for the line "cumulated" below. The mean value here is 50, the standard deviation is freely selectable.
- If you close the window, the first value is entered in line B1. Move the mouse over the lower right corner of the cell and drag the cell down.
- Now mark all values - in this case all cells from A1 to B11. Go to the "Insert" category above and find the "Charts" group. Under "Points" you will find several diagrams that show the normal distribution differently. You can find detailed instructions in our video:
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to create a dropdown in Excel. This article is based on Excel 2013.