POISSON.DIST

Formulas / POISSON.DIST
Calculate the Poisson distribution.
=POISSON.DIST(x,mean,cumulative)
  • x - the number of events
  • mean - the expected numeric value
  • cumulative - determines the shape of the probability distribution returned

Examples

  • =POISSON.DIST(3, 2, FALSE)

    In this example, the POISSON function is used to calculate the probability mass function (PMF) of a Poisson distribution with a mean of 2 for observing exactly 3 events. The formula returns the probability of observing exactly 3 events in a fixed interval when the average number of events in that interval is 2. The third argument, FALSE, specifies that we want to calculate the PMF, not the cumulative distribution function (CDF).

  • =POISSON.DIST(4, 3, TRUE)

    In this example, the POISSON function is used to calculate the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of a Poisson distribution with a mean of 3 for observing 4 or fewer events. The formula returns the probability of observing 4 or fewer events in a fixed interval when the average number of events in that interval is 3. The third argument, TRUE, specifies that we want to calculate the CDF, not the probability mass function (PMF).


Summary

The POISSON.DIST function calculates the Poisson distribution, used to predict the number of events within a specific time. It requires three arguments: X, mean, and cumulative.

  • The POISSON.DIST function requires three arguments: the number of events, the expected numeric value, and a logical value that determines the form of the probability distribution returned.
  • The Poisson distribution is used to predict the number of events over a specific time period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the POISSON.DIST function?
The POISSON.DIST function is used to return the Poisson distribution. The Poisson distribution is used to predict the number of events over a specific time period.
What are the arguments for the POISSON.DIST function?
The arguments for the POISSON.DIST function are required and they are:
  • The number of events x
  • The expected numeric value mean
  • A logical value that determines the form of the probability distribution returned
What is the purpose of the POISSON.DIST function?
The POISSON.DIST function is used to return the Poisson distribution, which is used to predict the number of events over a specific time period.

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