# Excel NORM.S.INV Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/excel/norm-s-inv-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) The NORM.S.INV function returns the z-score corresponding to a given probability in the standard normal distribution. ```excel =NORM.S.INV(probability) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the NORM.S.INV you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula Need more than a single NORM.S.INV formula? Try our free [AI for Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) — it reads your entire spreadsheet, answers questions in plain English, and builds charts and analysis in the same chat. ## Parameters **`probability`**:\ A numeric value representing the probability for which you want to find the corresponding z-score in the standard normal distribution. This value must be between 0 and 1 (exclusive). ## What is a NORM.S.INV Formula in Excel? The *NORM.S.INV* function in Excel is a statistical tool that returns the inverse of the standard normal cumulative distribution for a specified probability. In simpler terms, it helps you find the z-score that corresponds to a given probability in a standard normal distribution (mean of 0 and standard deviation of 1). This function is particularly useful in statistics and data analysis when you need to determine thresholds or cut-off points based on probabilities. ## A Practical Example Imagine you are analyzing test scores for a class of students, and you want to determine the score that corresponds to the top 10% of the class. You can use the NORM.S.INV function to find this score. ### Test Scores Data Table: | Student | Score | | - | - | | Alice | 85 | | Bob | 90 | | Charlie | 78 | | David | 92 | | Eve | 88 | You want to find the score that corresponds to the 90th percentile (top 10%). ## NORM.S.INV Formula To calculate the z-score for the top 10% of the distribution, you would use the NORM.S.INV formula as follows: ```excel =NORM.S.INV(0.90) ``` ### Breakdown of the Formula: - **0.90**: This is the probability for which you want to find the corresponding z-score. In this case, it represents the top 10% of the distribution. ## Result of the Formula When you apply the formula, it returns the z-score that corresponds to the 90th percentile. The output would be approximately: | Z-Score for Top 10% | | - | | 1.2816 | This means that a score of approximately 1.2816 standard deviations above the mean corresponds to the top 10% of the distribution. ## Why Use NORM.S.INV? The NORM.S.INV function is particularly useful in statistical analysis when you need to determine thresholds based on probabilities. It allows you to make informed decisions based on statistical data, such as setting performance benchmarks or identifying outliers. ## Key Takeaways: - **NORM.S.INV**: Returns the z-score corresponding to a specified probability in a standard normal distribution. - **Statistical Analysis**: Helps you determine thresholds and cut-off points based on probabilities. - **Common Use Cases**: Ideal for performance analysis, risk assessment, and any scenario where you need to interpret probabilities in a normal distribution. Understanding how to use the NORM.S.INV function can significantly enhance your statistical analysis capabilities in Excel, enabling you to extract meaningful insights from your data. Happy analyzing! ## Example use case You have a dataset where Column A contains the scores of students on a standardized test, and you want to determine the score that corresponds to the 90th percentile. You can use the NORM.S.INV function to find the z-score for the 90th percentile, which allows you to assess how well students performed relative to a normal distribution. This helps in identifying top-performing students and can inform decisions regarding honors programs or scholarships without needing to delve into more complex statistical analyses. **Beyond the NORM.S.INV function:** Better Analyst is a full [Excel AI](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) that goes well past individual formulas. Upload any spreadsheet and ask questions in plain English — you'll get formulas, data analysis, and charts back in seconds. It's a free [AI Excel assistant](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) that works with any .xlsx, .xls, or .csv file — no plugins, no Microsoft 365 required. Don't have a spreadsheet yet? 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[Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Excel how-to guides - [How To Strikethrough In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-strikethrough-in-excel) - [How To Subtract In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-subtract-in-excel) - [How To Transpose Data In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-transpose-data-in-excel) - [How To Unhide Columns In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-unhide-all-columns-in-excel) - [How To Unhide Rows In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-unhide-all-rows-in-excel) - [How To Unprotect Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-unprotect-excel) - [How To Wrap Text In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-wrap-text-in-excel) - [Excel Conditional Formatting](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/excel-conditional-formatting) ## Explore all Excel formulas Browse our complete library of Excel formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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