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NORM.DIST Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The NORM.DIST function calculates the normal distribution for specified mean and standard deviation values. Essential for statistical analysis, it provides both probability density (PDF) and cumulative distribution (CDF) values for hypothesis testing, quality control, and risk assessment.

Syntax

NORM.DIST(x, mean, standard_dev, cumulative)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
x	`Number`	Yes	The input value for distribution calculation
mean	`Number`	Yes	Expected average value of the distribution
standard_dev	`Number`	Yes	Measure of distribution spread (must be > 0)
cumulative	`Boolean`	Yes	Determines output type: TRUE=CDF, FALSE=PDF

Using the NORM.DIST Function

NORM.DIST is fundamental for normal distribution analysis across finance, manufacturing, and research. Use CDF (cumulative=TRUE) for probabilities of values below a threshold, and PDF (cumulative=FALSE) for probability density at a specific point.

Common NORM.DIST Examples

Cumulative Distribution (CDF)

=NORM.DIST(42,40,1.5,TRUE)

Probability that a normally distributed value is less than or equal to 42 (mean=40, std dev=1.5). Result: 0.9088.

Probability Density (PDF)

=NORM.DIST(42,40,1.5,FALSE)

Density of normal distribution at value 42. Useful for curve shape analysis. Result: 0.1093.

Standard Normal Distribution

=NORM.DIST(1.96,0,1,TRUE)

Calculates 97.5th percentile of standard normal (mean=0, std dev=1). Result: ~0.975.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, NORM.DIST is the modern replacement for NORMDIST with identical functionality.

Returns #NUM! error. Standard deviation must be positive.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE!

Cause: Non-numeric mean or standard_dev

Solution: Ensure all numeric arguments are valid numbers

#NUM!

Cause: standard_dev ≤ 0

Solution: Use positive standard deviation value

Unexpected results near extremes

Cause: Floating-point precision limits

Solution: For extreme tail probabilities, consider specialized functions

Notes

If mean=0, standard_dev=1, cumulative=TRUE, returns same as NORM.S.DIST
Infinite distribution tails approach zero but never reach it
Complete replacement for legacy NORMDIST function
Available since Excel 2007

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in: Excel 2003 and earlier

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