Generating values from a normal distribution

[jstieven]

I wish to generate random picks from a normal distribution. I can use the norminv(rand(), mean, standard dev) function yet I have read there are some problems with the Excel random number generator. If so, how do you get around this?

 

[Hui]

Jstieven


If you are using Excel 2010 the Statistical functions were improved


Have a read of

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/statistical-functions-HP005203066.aspx

&

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc179167.aspx

&

http://www.excelfunctions.net/Excel-Statistical-Functions.html


It is worthy noting that Norminv was replaced by Norm.Inv in Excel 2010 although both still exist for compatibility

 

[jstieven]

Hui -- thanks for the updated information -- guess I will have to get the new version of Excel!!

 

[Hui]

You may want to have a read of:

http://www.daheiser.info/excel/frontpage.html

and the relevant links first