# GAUSS function

The GAUSS function returns the probability that a random variable, drawn from a normal distribution, will be between the mean and z standard deviations above (or below) the mean. A normal distribution is also commonly known as a Gaussian distribution, from which this function gets its name.

## Parts of a GAUSS formula

`GAUSS(z)`

 Part Description Notes `z` The number of standard deviations from the mean. The parameter z represents how far away from the mean a random variable might fall. A normal distribution is characterized by a mean (μ) and a standard deviation (z * σ).

## Sample formulas

`GAUSS(1)`

`GAUSS(B2)`

## Notes

• A negative z value causes GAUSS(z) to return a negative number.
• When z uses the value in another cell (e.g. "GAUSS(B2)"), the GAUSS function returns 0 if there's no data in the cell.
• Calling GAUSS(z) asks the question, "what's the probability that a random number will be between μ and the standard deviation z * σ?"

## Examples

 A B C 1 Function Result Comment 2 =GAUSS(1) 0.3413447461 Probability that a variable falls between the mean and 1 standard deviation above the mean. 3 =GAUSS(-1) -0.3413447461 Probability that a variable falls between the mean and 1 standard deviation below the mean. Note that the result is negative. 4 =2*GAUSS(1) 0.6826894921 Probability that a variable falls within 1 standard deviation of the mean.

## Related function

NORMDIST: The NORMDIST function returns the value of the normal distribution function (or normal cumulative distribution function) for a specified value, mean, and standard deviation.