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NORMDIST Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The NORMDIST function calculates values for the normal (Gaussian) distribution, a fundamental concept in statistics used for modeling real-world phenomena like test scores, heights, and measurement errors. It supports both probability density and cumulative distribution calculations.

Syntax

NORMDIST(x, mean, standard_dev, cumulative)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
x	`Number`	Yes	The input value for distribution calculation
mean	`Number`	Yes	Average value of the normal distribution
standard_dev	`Number`	Yes	Standard deviation (must be positive)
cumulative	`Boolean`	Yes	TRUE returns CDF, FALSE returns PDF

Using the NORMDIST Function

NORMDIST is crucial for statistical analysis in Excel, enabling users to compute probabilities associated with normal distributions. Use cumulative=TRUE for finding the probability that a value falls below a certain point (CDF), or FALSE for the probability density at a specific point (PDF). This function underpins many advanced statistical techniques.

Common NORMDIST Examples

Cumulative Distribution Example

=NORMDIST(42,40,1.5,TRUE)

Probability that a value is less than or equal to 42 when mean=40 and std dev=1.5. Returns approximately 0.9088 (90.88% of values fall below 42)

Probability Density Example

=NORMDIST(42,40,1.5,FALSE)

Probability density at value 42 with mean=40 and std dev=1.5. Returns approximately 0.1093

Standard Normal Distribution

=NORMDIST(1.96,0,1,TRUE)

Cumulative probability for z-score 1.96 (95% confidence level). Returns approximately 0.975

Frequently Asked Questions

NORMDIST is the legacy function available for backward compatibility. NORM.DIST is the modern replacement with improved accuracy and clearer naming.

Use TRUE for cumulative distribution (area under curve from -∞ to x). Use FALSE for probability density at exactly x.

NORMDIST returns #NUM! error if standard_dev ≤ 0.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE!

Cause: mean or standard_dev contains non-numeric values

Solution: Ensure all numeric parameters contain valid numbers

#NUM!

Cause: standard_dev is zero or negative

Solution: Use positive standard deviation value > 0

#DIV/0!

Cause: Not applicable to NORMDIST

Solution: Check formula syntax

Notes

This function is deprecated but available for backward compatibility
Microsoft recommends NORM.DIST for new workbooks
If mean=0 and standard_dev=1 with cumulative=TRUE, returns same result as NORMSDIST
Normal distribution assumes bell-shaped curve symmetric about the mean

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007+, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 365

Not available in: Excel 2003 and earlier

Content last reviewed: December 11, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+