How to Calculate the Cumulative Probability in Excel – 4 Steps

Introduction to the Cumulative Probability

The cumulative probability is the likelihood that the value of a random variable is within a specific range.

P(m ≤ x ≤ n)

x is a random variable and m and n are the limits of a specific range.


The dataset showcases 60 samples and their weight in grams. Calculate the cumulative probability:

how to calculate cumulative probability in excel


Step 1 – Sort Data in Ascending Order

  • Select C8:C67.
  • Go to the Data tab.
  • Select smallest to largest.

Excel will sort the dataset.

Sort Dataset to calculate cumulative probability in excel


Step 2 – Calculate the Mean of the Dataset Using the AVERAGE Function

  • Go to D4 and enter the following formula
=AVERAGE(C8:C67)

  • Press ENTER to see the output.

Calculate Average to calculate cumulative probability in excel


Step 3 – Measure the Standard Deviation

  • Go to D5 and enter the following formula
=STDEV.P(C8:C67)

  • Press ENTER to see the output.

Calculate Standard Deviation to calculate cumulative probability in excel

Read More: How to Calculate Probability of Exceedance in Excel


Step 4 – Using the NORM.DIST Function to Calculate the Cumulative Probability

  • Go to D8 and use the following formula
=NORM.DIST(C8,$D$4,$D$5,TRUE)

Formula Breakdown:

  • The cumulative argument is a logical value that determines the form of the function. If it is TRUE, NORM.DIST returns the cumulative distribution function; if FALSE, it returns the probability density function.
  • Press ENTER to see the output.

calculate cumulative probability in excel

  • Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

  • To plot a chart of the cumulative distribution,  select C7:D67.
  • Go to the Insert tab and choose Scatter.
  • Select a type.

Plot chart calculate cumulative probability in excel

  • A chart is displayed.


Things to Remember

  • Use the absolute reference to lock cells.
  • The STDEV.P function is for the population. The STDEV.S function is for the sample.

Download Practice Workbook

Download the workbook and practice.



<< Go Back to Excel Probability | Excel for StatisticsLearn Excel

Get FREE Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions!
Akib Bin Rashid
Akib Bin Rashid

AKIB BIN RASHID, a materials and metallurgical engineer, is passionate about delving into Excel and VBA programming. To him, programming is a valuable time-saving tool for managing data, files, and internet-related tasks. Proficient in MS Office, AutoCAD, Excel, and VBA, he goes beyond the fundamentals. Holding a B.Sc in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, MD AKIB has transitioned into a content development role. Specializing in creating technical content centred around Excel and... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. A fasⅽinating diѕcussion is wortһ comment.
    I do believe that үou should write morе about this subject, it may
    not be а taboo matter but typicalⅼy folks don’t discuss these topіcs.
    To the next! Best wishes!!

Leave a reply

Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions PDF

 

 

ExcelDemy
Logo