Statistics and probability

Z-score

The signed number of standard deviations a value lies from a distribution's mean.

Common notationz=(x−μ)/σ

In one sentence

What does Z-score mean?

The signed number of standard deviations a value lies from a distribution's mean.

How it is written

z=(x−μ)/σ

A compact example

If x=70, μ=50 and σ=10, then z=2.

Other names and search terms

standard score.

Where this fits

When should you learn Z-score?

The first encounter is not the final level. Many ideas begin visually, become computational in high school and become formal in college.

  1. 1Pre-high schoolPrepare foundations
  2. 2High schoolUsually introduced
  3. 3CollegeGreater depth
  4. 4AdvancedGreater depth
Typical subjects
  • Statistics
  • Probability
Know first
  • Fractions
  • Percentages
  • Sets
What it unlocks
  • Distributions
  • Inference
  • Quantum probability

Clear answers

Questions about Z-score

What does Z-score mean in mathematics?

The signed number of standard deviations a value lies from a distribution's mean.

How is Z-score written?

A common notation is z=(x−μ)/σ.

What is an example of Z-score?

If x=70, μ=50 and σ=10, then z=2.

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