Normal distribution
Measurements cluster symmetrically around a mean and large deviations are uncommon.
On this page
Shape previewDurations cluster around the mean; standard deviation controls the spread.
Relative densityDuration (seconds)
- mean
- 10 s
- minimum
- 0 s
- Use when
- Measurements cluster symmetrically around a mean and large deviations are uncommon.
- Avoid when
- The quantity is heavily right-skewed or naturally has a long tail.
- Support
- Mathematically unbounded in both directions unless a lower or upper bound is imposed.
- Parameters
- Mean and standard deviation; optional bounds change the sampled distribution.
- Common mistake
- Using an unbounded normal for positive durations when the lower tail can produce impossible negative values.
- Example
- A calibrated processing operation whose duration varies around 10 minutes.