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Z-Score Calculator

Calculate the z-score (standard score) of a value given the mean and standard deviation.

Z-score
1.5
Standard deviations from the mean.

How it works

  1. 1Enter the value (x), the mean (μ), and the standard deviation (σ).
  2. 2The z-score is (x − μ) ÷ σ.
  3. 3A positive z-score is above the mean; a negative one is below.

Use cases

  • Standardise a test score against the class average.
  • Compare values from different normal distributions.
  • Spot outliers that are several standard deviations away.

Frequently asked questions

What is a z-score?

How many standard deviations a value is from the mean: z = (x − μ) ÷ σ. A z-score of 1.5 means the value is 1.5 standard deviations above the mean.

What does a negative z-score mean?

The value is below the mean. A z-score of 0 means the value equals the mean.

Why must the standard deviation be positive?

Dividing by zero is undefined, so a standard deviation of 0 yields no z-score.

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