Returns the inverse of the normal cumulative distribution for the specified mean and standard deviation.
Syntax
NORMINV(probability,mean,standard_dev)
Probability is a probability corresponding to the normal distribution.
Mean is the arithmetic mean of the distribution.
Standard_dev is the standard deviation of the distribution.
Remarks
- If any argument is nonnumeric, NORMINV returns the #VALUE! error value.
- If probability < 0 or if probability > 1, NORMINV returns the #NUM! error value.
- If standard_dev ≤ 0, NORMINV returns the #NUM! error value.
-
If mean = 0 and standard_dev = 1, NORMINV uses the standard normal distribution (see NORMSINV).
NORMINV uses an iterative technique for calculating the function. Given a probability value, NORMINV iterates until the result is accurate to within ± 3x10^-7. If NORMINV does not converge after 100 iterations, the function returns the #N/A error value.
Example
The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank spreadsheet.
How?- Create a blank spreadsheet.
- Select the example in the Help topic.
Selecting an example from Help
- Press CTRL+C.
- In the spreadsheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.
- To switch between viewing the formula that returns the result and the result in the cell, select the cell and press F2 and then ENTER, or click Commands and Options on the spreadsheet toolbar, click the Formula tab, and look in the Formula in active cell (active cell) box.
| Data | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.908789 | Probability corresponding to the normal distribution |
| 40 | Arithmetic mean of the distribution |
| 1.5 | Standard deviation of the distribution |
| Formula | Description (Result) |
| =NORMINV(A2,A3,A4) | Inverse of the normal cumulative distribution for the terms above (42) |