I quite agree with those who said it would be easier in a real stats
package. However, if you want a start, and feel that Excel is familiar
ground, here goes. The rand() function will generate random numbers from a
uniform distribution on the interval [0,1]. You can convert that to a
randomly distributed set of numbers using the inverse normal function,
=NORMSINV(.) .
Let's say your collection of uniform randoms is in a column beginning at B5,
and that you have the mean and std "defined" in the Excel sense somewhere.
Put a formula =NORMSINV(B5) in C5 and copy it down for as many cells as you
were looking to simulate. Then in the D column use the formula =C5*std+mean
and copy it down to get the desired set of numbers. There is a histogram
option in the analysis tool pack, which I do not have installed, so I cannot
talk you through it. An alternative and admittedly much messier approach
would be to define your own bins with the database functions. You could then
use the counts in your bin cells to graph. I am hoping that since you
specified Excel, that you are properly acquainted with its features (and
lack therof.) I, for one, cannot believe that histograms were not part of
Excel v2.0.
If you did a search using google with search terms = simulation normal
distribution excel you should have found
http://phoenix.som.clarkson.edu/~cmosier/simulation/Week_6/norm_conv.html
and many others.
David Winsemius
janssen_w wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> For some stats explaining I need an excel sheet that calculates and graphs
> the normal(Bell)-shaped curve of some data set with a given average and a
> known stdev.
> It would be nice to demonstrate the calculation the chance of occurance of
> some given value in relation to the data set.
>
> Does any one have such an examplesheet? or knows how it is easely done?
>
> With regards
>
> Wim
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