Mathematics
What is The normal distribution?
The normal distribution is a symmetric, bell-shaped curve that describes how many natural measurements cluster around an average. Most values fall near the middle, with fewer at the extremes — think heights, test scores, or measurement errors.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains the normal distribution.
Key things to understand
- 1It's the classic symmetric 'bell curve'.
- 2Most values cluster near the average (the middle of the curve).
- 3It's defined by its mean (center) and standard deviation (spread).
- 4About 68% of values fall within one standard deviation of the mean.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a normal distribution?
- A bell-shaped curve where data clusters symmetrically around the average, with fewer values at the extremes.
- Why is the normal distribution important?
- Many natural and statistical quantities follow it, making it central to probability and statistics.
- What is the 68-95-99.7 rule?
- About 68%, 95%, and 99.7% of values lie within one, two, and three standard deviations of the mean.