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Z Score Calculator

Z-score calculator

Compute standardized score z with percentile, tail-risk, and equivalent-score diagnostics.

InputsStandardize4 fieldsLive

Result

z = 1.75

95.9941% percentile (lower-tail) with two-tailed probability 0.08011823.

Live update

z diagnostics

-30+3
Advanced options
Advanced insights

Z-score interpretation

Moderately unusual

z-score
1.75

Percentile (lower-tail)
95.994089%

T-score equivalent
67.5 (mean 50, sd 10)

IQ-equivalent / Stanine
126.25 / 8

Tail probabilities

Lower-tail P(X ≤ x)
0.959940885

Upper-tail P(X ≥ x)
0.040059115

Two-tailed probability
0.08011823

Model assumptions

  • Interpretation assumes an approximately normal distribution.
  • Standard deviation must be positive and in the same unit as x and mean.
  • Percentile and p-values are based on standard normal approximation.
Formula
z = (x - mean) / sd

Symbol legend

Symbol Meaning Unit Copy
z Standardized score standard deviations
x Observed value data unit
\mu Mean data unit
\sigma Standard deviation data unit
  • Subtract mean from observed value.
  • Divide by standard deviation.
  • Interpret sign and magnitude of resulting z-score, then review percentile and tail probabilities.
Example

Worked example: x=72, mean=65, sd=4

  1. 1 Difference = 72 - 65 = 7
  2. 2 z = 7/4
  3. 3 z = 1.75
  4. 4 Percentile ≈ 96.0% and two-tailed probability ≈ 0.0801

The z-score is 1.75, which is near the 96th percentile.

How
  1. Choose a scenario preset for quick defaults or keep custom values.
  2. Enter observed value x.
  3. Enter dataset mean and standard deviation.
  4. Read z-score with positive or negative sign.
  5. Use percentile and two-tailed probability to assess rarity under a normal model.
Avoid
  • Using variance value instead of standard deviation.
  • Forgetting to subtract mean before division.
  • Interpreting negative z as invalid.
  • Treating percentile and two-tailed probability as exact guarantees rather than model-based estimates.
FAQ
Can z-score be negative?

Yes, negative z means the value is below the mean.

What does z equal zero mean?

z equals zero indicates the value is exactly at the mean.

Can I compare different datasets with z-score?

Yes, z-score helps compare values on different scales.

What does two-tailed probability mean in this tool?

It reports the probability of observing a value at least as far from the mean in either direction under the standard normal model.

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