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Excel Normal Distribution Graph

By Madhuri ThakurMadhuri Thakur

Normal Distribution Graph in Excel

Excel Normal Distribution Graph (Table of Contents)

Normal Distribution Graph in Excel

A normal distribution graph in excel is a continuous probability function and a common method to find the distribution of data. A formula is in-built in excel to find a normal distribution which is categorized under statistical functions. It completely depends on the mean and standard deviation. To find the mean value, the average function is used. The normal distribution calculates the normal probability density function or the cumulative normal distribution function. The graphical representation of these normal distribution values in Excel is called a normal distribution graph.

How to Calculate Normal Distribution in Excel?

Below is the data given with students’ names and their marks in a particular subject.

Data with Student's Name

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By using this data, let’s try to find the normal distribution. To find the normal distribution, we need two more pieces of data that is the mean and standard deviation. To find the mean, please apply the average function.

  • Here we applied the formula =AVERAGE (C2:C15) where column C consists of the marks of each student.

Average Formula

  • You will get the mean value of the given data as below.

Mean Value

STDEV Formula

  • You will get the standard deviation value of the given data as below.

Standard Deviation Value

Now for the Normal distribution graph in excel, we have the mean and standard deviation of the given data. By using this, we can find the normal distribution.

The normal distribution function is a statistical function that helps to get a distribution of values according to a mean value. This will help to find the variation of the values among a data set. This can be calculated by using the built-in formula.

Normal Distribution Formula

  • X: Defines for which value you want to find the distribution.
  • Mean: The arithmetic means value for the distribution.
  • Standard_dev: The standard deviation for the distribution.
  • Cumulative: This is a logical value. A true indicates a cumulative distribution function, and a false value indicates a probability mass function.

Here we will find the normal distribution in excel for each value for each mark given.

Selecting the cell F1, apply this formula =NORM.DIST(C2,$D$2,$E$2,FALSE) Here, D2 and E2 are mean, and standard deviation, respectively.

Normal Distribution Graph 1-6

  • The result will be as given below.

Normal Distribution Graph 1-7

  • By applying the same formula for each mark, you will get the normal distribution values as below.

Normal Distribution Graph 1-8

How to Make Normal Distribution Graph in Excel?

Steps to make a normal distribution graph in excel are very simple and easy. Let’s understand how to make a normal distribution graph with an example.

You can download this Normal Distribution Graph Excel Template here – Normal Distribution Graph Excel Template

The normal distribution values for each person’s mark have been calculated. By using the above calculations, we can plot a graph.

We can plot the normal distribution for each person’s marks. Use the below table.

Normal Distribution Graph 2-1

For better understanding, while creating the graph, the marks column can be sorted from lowest to highest. This will result in a bell-shaped distribution and indicates the normal distribution from the lowest to the highest in the excel chart.

  • Select the Marks Column and then go to the Home tab < Sort & Filter < Sort Smallest to Largest.

Normal Distribution Graph 2-2

  • The marks column will get sorted from smallest to largest. And the data looks as below.

Normal Distribution Graph 2-3

  • To make the table a normal distribution graph in excel, select the table columns Marks and Normal distribution. Go to the Insert tab and click on Recommended Charts.

Normal Distribution Graph 2-4

  • Select All Charts while inserting the chart.

Normal Distribution Graph 2-5

  • Select the X Y (Scatter), and you can select the pre-defined graphs to start quickly. You can see the built-in styles at the top of the dialog box; click on the third style, Scatter with Smooth Lines.

Normal Distribution Graph 2-6

  • Select the second chart and click on Ok.

Normal Distribution Graph 2-7

  • The data will be scattered as bell-shaped, and this shows a variation in the distribution from lowest to highest.

Normal Distribution Graph 2-8

  • We can give the name to the X and Y-axis. Click on the “+” symbol you will get extra options to make changes on the created graph. Click on Axis Titles.

Normal Distribution Graph 2-9

  • Now the axis names are mentioned by inserting the axis title.

Normal Distribution Graph 2-10

This is the normal distribution graph for the given data in excel. This graph makes the analysis easier. Those who have crossed the mean value or average value can be found easily.

Things to Remember

  • An error value #VALUE is returned when the mean or standard deviation is not numeric.
  • When the standard deviation ≤0, the NORM.DIST function will return #NUM! error
  • The normal distribution graph results in a bell-shaped curve in excel.
  • Sort the values before plotting in the normal distribution graph to get a better curve-shaped graph in excel.
  • A normal distribution graph in excel is a graphical representation of normal distribution values in excel. This shows the scattering of values from the mean.

Recommended Articles

This has been a guide to Normal Distribution Graph in Excel. Here we discuss how to make a normal distribution graph along with an example and downloadable excel template. You can also go through our other suggested articles –

  1. Excel Frequency Distribution
  2. Generate Random Numbers in Excel
  3. Scatter Chart in Excel
  4. Excel Combination Charts
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