The NORMSDIST() function returns the probability of a given value z occuring by calcualting the probabilities that make up a standard, normalized cumulative probability distribution . The syntax for the function is NORMSDIST (z). The argument "z" must be numerical values oherwise the function will return the #VALUE error value. The "z" argument is the value at which the NORMSDIST function evaluates the probability. It does this by generating an standard normalized probability distribution and placing the value z on the curve (standard normal distribution has a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1). The resulting probability represents the probability of that value occuring from a set of randomly measured values. [chart] The a standard normalized distribution forms a "bell" shape, symmetrical bout zero. The exact shape of the probability distribution is fixed. The NORMSDIST function simply uses the variable "z" to evaulate a point on the distribution curve. To learn more about the normal distribution in statistics see: [The Normal Distribution Mathematics Knowledgebase] [The NORMDIST function knowledgebase] [The CHIDIST function knowledgebase] [The FDIST function knowledgebase]

How to use the NORMSDIST() function: Type " =NORMSDIST( " Enter the reference for the "z" data value "A2". Type")" then press the "Enter" key.

How to use the NORMSDIST() function to create a chart of a normal standardized distribution: Type " =NORMSDIST( " Enter the reference for the "z" data value "A2". Type")" then press the "Enter" key.    Note: In earlyer versions of Excel the normdist function was only accurate to 7 decimal places. In Excel 2003 and newer versions the accuracy of the normdist function has improved to an accuracy of 14 to 15 deciamal places.