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STANDARDIZE Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel STANDARDIZE function converts a value into a normalized z-score based on the mean and standard deviation of a dataset. This statistical function is essential for comparing values from different distributions on a common scale.

Syntax

STANDARDIZE(x, mean, standard_dev)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
x	`Number`	Yes	The numeric value you want to standardize
mean	`Number`	Yes	The average value of your dataset or distribution
standard_dev	`Number`	Yes	The standard deviation measuring data spread

Using the STANDARDIZE Function

STANDARDIZE transforms raw data points into standardized scores (z-scores) that indicate how many standard deviations a value is from the mean. This enables fair comparisons across different datasets with varying scales and units.

Common STANDARDIZE Examples

Basic Z-Score Calculation

=STANDARDIZE(42,40,1.5)

Normalizes value 42 when mean is 40 and standard deviation is 1.5. Returns approximately 1.33 (42 is 1.33 standard deviations above the mean).

Test Score Standardization

=STANDARDIZE(B2,$B$10,$B$11)

Converts individual test score in B2 to z-score using class mean ($B$10) and standard deviation ($B$11).

Sales Performance Analysis

=STANDARDIZE(C2,AVERAGE(C:C),STDEV(C:C))

Standardizes current sales (C2) against historical sales average and variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A positive z-score indicates the value is above the mean; a negative score means it's below the mean.

Yes, STANDARDIZE works with any numeric value, producing appropriate positive or negative z-scores.

STANDARDIZE converts values to z-scores; NORM.DIST calculates probabilities from those standardized scores.

Common Errors and Solutions

#NUM! error

Cause: Standard deviation parameter equals zero or negative

Solution: Ensure standard_dev > 0. Use STDEV or STDEV.S functions to calculate valid standard deviation.

#VALUE! error

Cause: Non-numeric arguments provided

Solution: Verify all inputs (x, mean, standard_dev) contain numbers only.

Notes

Formula: Z = (x - mean) / standard_dev
Requires positive standard deviation (>0)
Preserves relative position within distribution
1 z-score = 1 standard deviation from mean
Use with NORM.S.DIST for probability calculations

Compatibility

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

Not available in:

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+