MatteSkolen statistikk What is the normal distribution?
VG2 statistikk Quiz

What is the normal distribution?

The normal distribution is the most famous probability distribution in statistics — the characteristic bell curve that describes everything from height and weight to exam results.

📅 30. April 2026 👁️ 3 views 📂 statistikk 🇳🇴 Les på norsk

What is the normal distribution?

The normal distribution is symmetric about the mean and has a bell curve shape. It is described by:

  • μ (mu) = the mean
  • σ (sigma) = the standard deviation

The 68-95-99.7 rule

68% of data lies within ±1σ of μ
95% of data lies within ±2σ of μ
99.7% of data lies within ±3σ of μ

Z-score

z = (x - μ) / σ
A man 194 cm tall: z = (194-180)/7 = 2 — two standard deviations above average.

It is not knowledge, but the act of learning which grants the greatest enjoyment. When I have clarified and exhausted a subject, then I turn away from it.

— Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777–1855)

🧠 Test yourself

Question 1 of 3

What percentage of data lies within ±2σ from the mean?

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