How to Use the STANDARDIZE Function in Excel

Today we’re going to delve into the STANDARDIZE function, a robust statistical tool available in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. This function is crucial for normalizing specific values using a designated mean and standard deviation. Let’s explore how this function operates and how you can leverage it in your spreadsheets.

Overview

The STANDARDIZE function calculates the normalized value (z-score) of a data point based on its mean and standard deviation. This is particularly beneficial when you need to compare datasets that vary in mean and standard deviation.

Syntax

The syntax for the STANDARDIZE function is consistent across both Excel and Google Sheets:

STANDARDIZE(value, mean, standard_dev)
  • value: The data point you wish to normalize.
  • mean: The arithmetic mean of the data distribution.
  • standard_dev: The standard deviation of the data distribution.

Examples

Here are a few practical examples to illustrate the use of the STANDARDIZE function:

Example 1: Normalize a Test Score

Suppose you have a test score of 75. The average score across all tests is 65, and the standard deviation is 5. To normalize this score:

Value Mean Standard Deviation Normalized Score (Z-Score)
75 65 5 =STANDARDIZE(75, 65, 5)

The formula returns the normalized score for your test, considering the provided mean and standard deviation.

Example 2: Analyzing Heights

Consider a list where the average height is 170 cm with a standard deviation of 10 cm. To normalize heights:

Height Mean Standard Deviation Normalized Height (Z-Score)
165 170 10 =STANDARDIZE(165, 170, 10)
180 170 10 =STANDARDIZE(180, 170, 10)

By applying STANDARDIZE to each height, you effectively create a basis for comparing them through their standard scores.

Conclusion

The STANDARDIZE function in Excel and Google Sheets is an invaluable asset for normalizing and comparing data across diverse datasets. Mastery of this function enhances your capability to conduct thorough statistical analyses within your spreadsheets.

More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/standardize-function-81d66554-2d54-40ec-ba83-6437108ee775

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