# How to Use GAUSS function in Google Sheets in 2020?

GAUSS functionThe 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.