xl_ how to create a bell curve gaussian chart
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This article was previously published under Q213930
A bell curve is a plot of normal distribution of a given data set. This article
describes how you can create a chart of a bell curve in Microsoft Excel.
In the following example you can create a bell curve of data generated by
Excel using the Random Number Generation tool in the Analysis ToolPak.
After Microsoft Excel generates a set of random numbers, you can create a
histogram using those random numbers and the Histogram tool from the
Analysis ToolPak. From the histogram, you can create a chart to represent a
bell curve.
To create a sample bell curve, follow these steps:Start Excel.1.
Enter the following column headings in a new worksheet:
2.
Enter the following data in the same worksheet:3.
XL: How to Create a Bell
Curve Chart
How to Create a Bell Curve Chart https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/213930
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Enter the following formulas in the same worksheet:
()
()
These formulas will generate the average (mean) and standard
deviation of the original data, respectively.
4.
Enter the following formulas to generate the bin range for the
histogram:
$$*$
This generates the lower limit of the bin range. This number
represents three standard deviations less than the average.
+$$
This formula adds one standard deviation to the number calculated in
the cell above.
5.
Select Cell C3, grab the fill handle, and then fill the formula down
from cell C3 to cell C8.
6.
To generate the random data that will form the basis for the bell
curve, follow these steps:
7.
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On the Toolsmenu, click Data Analysis.a.
In the Analysis Toolsbox, click Random Number Generation,
and then click OK.
b.
In the Number of Variablesbox, type 1.c.
In the Number of Random Numbersbox, type 2000.
NOTE: Varying this number will increase or decrease the
accuracy of the bell curve.
d.
In the Distribution box, select Normal.e.
In the Parameterspane, enter the number calculated in cell B2
(29 in the example) in the Meanbox.
f.
In the Standard Deviationbox enter the number calculated in
cell B4 (14.68722).
g.
Leave the Random Seedbox blank.h.
In the Output Optionspane, click Output Range.i.
Type D2 in the Output Rangebox.
This will generate 2,000 random numbers that fit in a normal
distribution.
j.
Click OK.k.
To create a histogram for the random data, follow these steps:
On the Toolsmenu, click Data Analysis.a.
In the Analysis Toolsbox, select Histogram, and then click OK.b.
In the Input Rangebox, type D2:D2001.c.
In the Bin Rangebox, type C2:C8.d.
In the Output Optionspane, click Output Range.e.
Type E2 in the Output Rangebox.f.
Click OK.g.
8.
To create a histogram for the original data, follow these steps:On the Toolsmenu, click Data Analysis.a.
Click Histogram, and then click OK.b.
9.
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In the Input Rangebox, type A2:A9.c.
In the Bin Rangebox, type C2:C8.d.
In the Output Optionspane, click Output Range.e.
Type G2in the Output Rangebox.f.
Click OK.g.
Create labels for the legend in the chart by entering the following:
&""&
&""&
&""&
10.
Select the range of cells, E2:H10, on the worksheet.11.
On the Insertmenu, click Chart.12.
Under Chart type, click XY (Scatter).13.
Under Chart sub-type, in the middle row, click the chart on the right.
NOTE: Just below these 5 sub-types, the description will say "Scatter
with data points connected by smoothed lines without markers."
14.
Click Next.15.
Click the Seriestab.16.
In the Namebox, delete the cell reference, and then select cell E15.17.
In the X Valuesbox, delete the range reference, and then select the
range E3:E10.
18.
In the Y Valuesbox, delete the range reference, and then select the
range F3:F10.
19.
Click Addto add another series.20.
Click the Namebox, and then select cell E14.21.
Click the X Valuesbox, and then select the range E3:E10.22.
In the Y Valuesbox, delete the value that's there, and then select the
range G3:G10.
23.
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Click Addto add another series.24.
Click the Namebox, and then select cell E16.25.
Click the X Valuesbox, and then select the range E3:E10.26.
Click the Y Valuesbox, delete the value that's there, and then select
the range H3:H10.
27.
Click Finish.
The chart will have two curved series and a flat series along the x-axis.
28.
Double-click the second series; it should be labeled "- Bin" in the
legend.
29.
In the Format Data Seriesdialog box, click the Axistab.30.
Click Secondary Axis, and then click OK.31.
You now have a chart that compares a given data set to a bell curve.
For more information about creating charts, click Microsoft Excel Helpon
the Helpmenu, type create a chartin the Office Assistant or the Answer
Wizard, and then click Searchto view the topic.
Article ID: 213930 - Last Review: 09/18/2011 23:58:00 - Revision: 4.0
Applies to
Microsoft Excel 2000 Standard Edition
Microsoft Excel 97 Standard Edition
Keywords:kbhowto KB213930
How to Create a Bell Curve Chart https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/213930
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How to Create a Bell Curve Chart https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/213930