In this article
NORMDIST gives the normal distribution for a mean and SD. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends NORM.DIST for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=NORMDIST(x, mean, standard_dev, cumulative)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
x |
Value |
mean, standard_dev |
Distribution |
cumulative |
TRUE/FALSE |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(NORMDIST(A2,B2,C2,TRUE),4)Result: 0.8413. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use NORM.DIST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
NORMDIST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use NORMDIST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in NORM.DIST for clarity
Worked example
| x | Mean | SD | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 50 | 10 | =ROUND(NORMDIST(A2,B2,C2,TRUE),4) | 0.8413 |
| 50 | 50 | 10 | =ROUND(NORMDIST(A3,B3,C3,TRUE),4) | 0.5 |
| 30 | 50 | 10 | =ROUND(NORMDIST(A4,B4,C4,TRUE),4) | 0.0228 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as NORM.DIST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using NORMDIST in new files | Prefer NORM.DIST: same result, clearer name, and the function Microsoft keeps improving |
| Mixing old and new names in one model | Pick one style per workbook so formulas are easy to audit |
Related functions
📚 Part of the free Excel course: Beginner → Expert · Try it in the Formula Lab or ask the AI Helper.
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