In this article
NORMSDIST gives the cumulative standard normal probability for z. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends NORM.S.DIST for new work. Both give the same result.
Advertisement
Syntax
=NORMSDIST(z)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
z |
z value |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(NORMSDIST(A2),4)Result: 0.975. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use NORM.S.DIST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
NORMSDIST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use NORMSDIST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in NORM.S.DIST for clarity
Worked example
| z | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1.96 | =ROUND(NORMSDIST(A2),4) | 0.975 |
| 0 | =ROUND(NORMSDIST(A3),4) | 0.5 |
| -1 | =ROUND(NORMSDIST(A4),4) | 0.1587 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as NORM.S.DIST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using NORMSDIST in new files | Prefer NORM.S.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.
✨ Ask AI about this article
Stuck on a step? Ask a question and the AI answers using this article.
Free · AI can be wrong