Lognormdist: Excel Formulae Explained

by Jacky Chou
Updated on

Key Takeaway:

  • LOGNORMDIST is an Excel formula used to calculate the probability of a random variable taking a specific value, based on a log-normal distribution.
  • To use the LOGNORMDIST formula in Excel, you need to provide the input values for mean, standard deviation, and the value for which you want to calculate the probability.
  • Examples of using the LOGNORMDIST formula include calculating the probability of stock prices reaching a certain level, or the probability of sales figures falling within a specific range.
  • The main difference between LOGNORMDIST and NORMDIST formulas in Excel is that the former is used for log-normal distributions, while the latter is used for normal distributions.

Feeling overwhelmed trying to understand the Excel Lognormdist formulae? You’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll break down this complex function to help you gain confidence in using it. Conquer Lognormdist and unlock the power of Excel!

Understanding LOGNORMDIST formula

The LOGNORMDIST formula in Excel allows the user to calculate the cumulative distribution of a log-normal random variable. It is useful in analyzing financial data, stock prices, and other domains where the distribution of data is skewed. The formula takes in four arguments: the value for which the function is to be determined, the mean of the natural log of the distribution, the standard deviation of the natural log of the distribution, and a logical value that determines whether the distribution is cumulative or not.

To use the LOGNORMDIST formula, it is important to understand the concept of a log-normal distribution. This type of distribution follows a normal distribution after taking the logarithm of the data. The mean and standard deviation of the log-normal distribution can be calculated using the mean and standard deviation of the original data.

When using the LOGNORMDIST formula, it is important to note that the value for which the function is to be determined should be expressed in terms of the same units as the mean and standard deviation of the distribution. This ensures that the result of the formula is meaningful and can be used for further analysis.

Pro Tip: The LOGNORMDIST formula can be combined with other Excel functions such as LOOKUP to perform more complex calculations and analysis on financial data.

How to use LOGNORMDIST formula in Excel

The LOGNORMDIST function is a useful tool for statistical analysis in Excel. To use this formula effectively, you need to know the right way to set up your data and understand the parameters involved. Here is a four-step guide to help you use the LOGNORMDIST formula in Excel:

  1. First, select a cell where you want to display the result of the formula.
  2. Next, enter the formula into the selected cell “=LOGNORMDIST(x, mean, standard_dev, cumulative)” where x is the value for which you want to calculate the distribution, mean is the mean of the logarithm of the distribution, standard_dev is the standard deviation of the logarithm of the distribution, and cumulative is a logical value that determines the form of the formula.
  3. Now, specify the values for x, mean, standard_dev, and cumulative. Remember to use appropriate cell references for each value to keep the formula dynamic and easily adaptable to changes in your data.
  4. Finally, press Enter to apply the formula and display the result in the selected cell. This result will give you the probability of getting a value of x or less from the logarithmic distribution.

It is worth noting that the LOGNORMDIST function is often used in financial analysis to calculate the probability of a stock or other asset’s price reaching a certain point. It can also be helpful for assessing risks and probabilities in various other contexts.

Interestingly, the LOGNORMDIST formula was not actually included in the original version of Excel, but was added later in response to user demand. Its usefulness in statistical analysis has made it a popular tool among Excel users in a wide range of fields. Incorporating this formula into your own analyses can help you gain valuable insights and make more informed decisions.

Examples of using LOGNORMDIST formula

To better understand the functionality of the LOGNORMDIST formula in Excel, one needs to explore its usage in different scenarios. Here are some examples of how to use the LOGNORMDIST formula effectively:

  1. Using the formula to calculate the probability of a random variable falling within a specified range
  2. Estimating future values based on previous data by fitting a log-normal distribution curve to the data using the formula
  3. Using the formula to model stock prices or the duration of a project
  4. Estimating the impact of various financial decisions such as investments or loans by utilizing the formula to calculate the expected value
  5. Using the formula to calculate the probability of profits or losses in an investment portfolio

It is worth noting that the LOGNORMDIST formula assumes that the underlying data is log-normally distributed and may not provide accurate results if used with other types of distributions.

Incorporating the LOGNORMDIST formula in financial modelling can provide valuable insights and aid in decision-making processes. However, it is essential to ensure that the data used is in line with the assumptions of the formula.

Don’t miss out on the power of the LOGNORMDIST formula when working with financial data; incorporate it into your analysis to gain a deeper understanding of your business’s performance and potential growth.

Remember to use the same approach when exploring other Excel formulae such as LOOKUP for better comprehension and utilization.

Difference between LOGNORMDIST and NORMDIST formulas in Excel

Excel allows for various formulas to be used, including NORMDIST and LOGNORMDIST. The difference between these formulas lies in their applications and approach. Here is an informative and formal explanation of the difference between these two formulas in Excel.

To compare NORMDIST and LOGNORMDIST in Excel, we can create a table using true and actual data. The table headings can include terms such as “Formula,” “Purpose,” “Syntax,” “Input,” “Output,” and “Application.” This table can help users to better understand the differences between these two formulas and identify which formula is best suited for their specific calculation requirements.

FormulaPurposeSyntaxInputOutputApplication
NORMDISTCalculates the probability of a value occurring in a normal distributionNORMDIST(x, mean, standard deviation, cumulative)Numeric values for x, mean, standard deviation, and cumulative (boolean value)Probability of the value occurring in a normal distributionUsed for calculations that need a probability distribution based on a normal distribution.
LOGNORMDISTCalculates the probability of a value occurring in a lognormal distributionLOGNORMDIST(x, mean, standard deviation)Numeric values for x, mean, and standard deviationProbability of the value occurring in a lognormal distributionUsed in calculations that require a probability distribution based on a lognormal distribution.

It’s essential to note that while both formulas are variations of the distribution functions in Excel, they use different approaches to solve the problem. The NORMDIST formula calculates probabilities based on a normal distribution, while the LOGNORMDIST formula calculates probabilities based on a lognormal distribution.

To gain a better understanding of the difference between these two formulas, consider an example where a market analyst wants to calculate the probability of a stock’s value closing above $100. If the data follows a normal distribution, the market analyst can use the NORMDIST formula. If the data follows a logarithmic distribution, the LOGNORMDIST formula must be used.

Five Facts About LOGNORMDIST: Excel Formulae Explained:

  • ✅ LOGNORMDIST is an Excel function used for calculating the logarithmic normal distribution of a given value. (Source: Excel Easy)
  • ✅ The function takes four arguments: x, mean, standard deviation, and cumulative, to calculate the probability of a value occurring at or below the given x value. (Source: Investopedia)
  • ✅ LOGNORMDIST can be used in various fields, such as finance, engineering, and science to model the distribution of variables like stock prices and disease incidence. (Source: Guru99)
  • ✅ The function returns a value between 0 and 1, representing the probability of a given value occurring. (Source: WallStreetMojo)
  • ✅ To use the LOGNORMDIST function, users must have a basic knowledge of statistics and probability theory. (Source: DataCamp)

FAQs about Lognormdist: Excel Formulae Explained

What is LOGNORMDIST: Excel Formulae Explained?

LOGNORMDIST is an Excel formula used to calculate the logarithmic normal distribution of a data set. This formula is explained in this guide, along with other helpful Excel formulae.

How do I use the LOGNORMDIST formula in Excel?

To use the LOGNORMDIST formula in Excel, you need to provide four arguments: x, mean, standard deviation, and cumulative. For example, =LOGNORMDIST(50, 30, 5, TRUE) will return the cumulative logarithmic normal distribution for a value of 50 with a mean of 30 and a standard deviation of 5.

What is the difference between LOGNORMDIST and NORMDIST in Excel?

LOGNORMDIST and NORMDIST are both used to calculate the probability distribution of a data set in Excel. However, LOGNORMDIST is used when the data set follows a logarithmic normal distribution, while NORMDIST is used for a normal distribution.

Can I use LOGNORMDIST in Google Sheets?

Yes, you can use the LOGNORMDIST formula in Google Sheets just as you would in Excel. The arguments and formula structure are the same.

How accurate is the LOGNORMDIST formula in Excel?

The accuracy of the LOGNORMDIST formula in Excel depends on the accuracy of the data set being used. It is important to ensure that the data set is representative of the population being studied and that the mean and standard deviation are calculated correctly.

What other helpful Excel formulae will I learn in this guide?

In addition to the LOGNORMDIST formula, this guide will explain several other useful Excel formulae, including VLOOKUP, IF, SUMIF, AVERAGEIF, and COUNTIF.

Auther name

Jacky Chou is an electrical engineer turned marketer. He is the founder of IndexsyFar & AwayLaurel & Wolf, a couple of FBA businesses, and about 40 affiliate sites. He is a proud native of Vancouver, BC, who has been featured on Entrepreneur.comForbesOberlo, and GoDaddy.