NORMINV

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).

Given a value for probability, NORMINV seeks that value x such that NORMDIST(x, mean, standard_dev, TRUE) = probability. Thus, precision of NORMINV depends on precision of NORMDIST. NORMINV uses an iterative search technique. If the search has not converged 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 worksheet.

How to copy an example

1. Create a blank workbook or worksheet.
2. Select the example in the Help topic.

   Note Do not select the row or column headers.

   Selecting an example from Help

3. Press CTRL+C.
4. In the worksheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.
5. To switch between viewing the results and viewing the formulas that return the results, press CTRL+` (grave accent), or on the Formulas tab, in the Formula Auditing group, click the Show Formulas button.

See also:

• NORMDIST
• NORMSDIST
• NORMSINV
• STANDARDIZE
• Statistical functions
• ZTEST