How to Plot Normal Distribution in Excel (With Easy Steps)

We’ll use the NORM.DIST function to find the Normal Distribution in Excel. This function needs 4 arguments:

x: The data for which we’ll determine the normal distribution.

mean: The average value of the dataset.

standard_dev: Measured standard deviation of the dataset.

cumulative: TRUE represents the cumulative distribution function. FALSE represents the probability mass function.

The below dataset contains Student Names and their obtained Marks.

STEP 1: Find the Mean & Standard Deviation

• Merge the cell range D5:D12.
• Enter the following formula in cell C5:

• Press Enter.
• It’ll return the Mean.

• Merge the range E5:E12.
• Enter the following formula in cell E5:

• Press Enter.
• You’ll get the Standard Deviation.

Read More: Plot Normal Distribution in Excel with Mean and Standard Deviation

STEP 2: Create a Normal Distribution Chart

• Click cell F5.
• Insert the following formula:

• Press Enter.
• You’ll get the normal distribution point.

• Use the AutoFill tool to complete the series.
• It’ll return all the values.

Read More: How to Create a Distribution Chart in Excel 

STEP 3: Plot Normal Distribution in Excel

• Select the Marks range C5:C12.
• Choose Home ➤ Editing ➤ Sort & Filter ➤ Sort Smallest to Largest.

• A warning dialog box will pop out.
• Check the circle for the second option.
• Press Sort.

• It’ll return the sorted marks column.

• Select Insert ➤ Insert Scatter or Bubble Chart ➤ Scatter with Smooth Lines.

• You’ll get the normal distribution graph.

STEP 4: Modify Chart

• Double-click on the Chart Title. Rename it as Normal Distribution Graph.
• Click on the chart. Press the + symbol beside the chart as shown below.
• Check the boxes for Axes, Axis Title and Chart Title.
• To remove the gridlines, uncheck the Gridlines box.

• Double-click the Y-axis.
• The Format Axis pane will appear.
• Set the Minimum Bounds as 60.

• Double-click the normal distribution curve line.
• You’ll get the Format Data Series pane.
• Check the circle for Built-in Marker Options.

Final Output

After performing all the modifications, our Normal Distribution graph is finally ready to demonstrate.

Read More: How to Create a Probability Distribution Graph in Excel 

Things to Remember

• To avoid errors, sort the data before plotting the normal distribution.
• The mean and standard deviation should be in numbers.
• To avoid #NUM! Error, make sure the standard deviation is greater than zero.

Download the Practice Workbook

Download the following workbook to practice.

Related Articles

• How to Plot Frequency Distribution in Excel
• How to Plot Poisson Distribution in Excel
• How to Plot Weibull Distribution in Excel
• How to Plot Particle Size Distribution Curve in Excel

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