Excel - NORM.INV Function



NORM.INV Function

The Excel NORM.INV function comes in the category of the Excel statistical function. It returns the inverse of the normal cumulative distribution for the corresponding mean, standard deviation, and the normal distribution's probability.

This function was added to Excel 2010 as a replacement for the older NORMINV function, offering excellent accuracy during statistical analysis.

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS Excel

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel 2013
  • Excel 2010

Syntax

The syntax of the NORM.INV function is as follows:

=NORM.INV(probability,mean,standard_dev)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the NOMR.INV function −

Argument Description Required/ Optional
Probability A numeric value that represents a probability respective to the normal distribution. Required
Mean It denotes the average of the distribution. Required
Standard_dev It represents a standard deviation of the distribution. Required

Points to Remember

  • If any argument contains a value other than numeric, then the NORM.INV returns the #VALUE! error.
  • Ensure that the probability must lie between 0 and 1. Otherwise the NORM.INV function retrieves the #NUM! error.
  • If standard_dev is either equals 0 or a negative value, then the NORM.INV function retrieves the #NUM! error.
  • If mean and standard_dev is set 0 and 1, then the NORM.INV function behaves like a standard normal distribution. Refer NORMS.INV.
  • Given a value for probability, NORM.INV seeks that value x such that NORM.DIST(x, mean, standard_dev, TRUE) = probability. Thus, precision of NORM.INV depends on precision of NORM.DIST.

Examples of NORM.INV Function

Practice the following examples to learn the use of the NORM.INV function in Excel.

Example 1: Utilize the NORM.INV function to calculate the 60th percentile of a normal distribution

In this example, we will determine the value of x when the probability is 0.6(60th percentile), the mean is 54.3 and the standard deviation is 15.

Solution

Step 1 − First, consider the sample dataset, double-click on the C5 cell, and write the formula =NORM.INV(C2,C3,C4) and press the Enter tab.

NORM.INV Function1

Therefore, the NORM.INV function returns 58.1002065 which means 60% of the values fall below 58.1 in this given probability of the normal distribution.

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Example 2

If mean and standard_dev is set 0 and 1, then the NORM.INV function behaves like a standard normal distribution.

Solution

First, navigate to Sheet2 and consider the sample dataset, select the C6 cell, and write the formula =NORM.INV(C2,C3,C4) and hit the Enter tab.

NORM.INV Function3

Therefore, the resulting value is 0.253347103

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Now, select the C6 cell, type the formula =NORMSINV(C2), and press the Enter tab.

NORM.INV Function5

Therefore, the NOMRINV function returns the value of 0.253347103 as a result.

NORM.INV Function6

Hence, the NORM.INV function behaves exactly like the NOMRSINV function in this scenario.

Example 3

Ensure that the probability must lie between 0 and 1. Otherwise the NORM.INV function retrieves the #NUM! error.

Solution

You may enter the formula =NORM.INV(9,0.3,1) in the B2 cell. In this expression, the probability is 9 which is invalid.

NORM.INV Function7

Once you press the Enter key, the NORM.INV function yields a #NUM! error.

NORM.INV Function8

Example 4

If any argument contains a value other than numeric, then the NORM.INV returns the #VALUE! error.

Solution

You can write the formula =NORM.INV("IPL",0.3,1) in the B3 cell and hit the Enter key.

NORM.INV Function9

Hence, the result is #VALUE! error as the probability is text value that is IPL.

NORM.INV Function10

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the NORM.INV function.

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