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GAUSS Function
Summary
The GAUSS function calculates the probability that a value from a standard normal distribution falls between the population mean (zero) and a specified number of standard deviations (z). This is useful for statistical analysis and quality control applications.
Syntax
GAUSS(z)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| z | Number |
Yes | The z-score representing standard deviations from the mean in a standard normal distribution |
Using the GAUSS Function
GAUSS is primarily used in statistical analysis to determine probabilities in standard normal distributions. It returns the area under the standard normal curve from the mean to the z-value, which represents cumulative probability up to that point minus 0.5.
Common GAUSS Examples
Basic GAUSS Calculation
=GAUSS(2)Returns 0.47725, the probability that a standard normal variable falls between 0 and 2 standard deviations (about 47.7% of the distribution)
Negative Z-Score
=GAUSS(-1.5)Returns approximately 0.4332, probability between mean and -1.5 standard deviations
Z-Score from Cell
=GAUSS(A1)Where A1 contains 0.5, returns approximately 0.1915
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#NUM!
Cause: z argument is not a valid number
Solution: Ensure z contains numeric data only
#VALUE!
Cause: z argument is not a valid data type
Solution: Check that z is a number, not text or error value
Notes
- GAUSS(z) is always NORM.S.DIST(z,TRUE) - 0.5
- For z ≤ 0, returns 0 (no area between mean and z)
- Symmetric: GAUSS(-z) gives left tail probability
- Excel 2013+ only - use NORMSDIST in older versions
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in: Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Earlier versions
Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2013+