A spreadsheet based derivation of the probability distribution from a random sample

Spreadsheet programs are frequently used as an alternative to professional statistical packages. Many statistical problems can be quickly and accurately solved in a spreadsheet. All major summary measures, probability functions, tables, charts, etc., are well supported by the contemporary spreadsheet programs. Nonetheless, there are some tasks that require special attention and care in order to ensure proper outcomes. This paper presents a complete case for generating empirical frequency distributions for continuous-numeric data, using a Microsoft Excel compatible spreadsheet program. It shows how to best align the theory and spreadsheetbased practice with respect to production of frequencydistributions. This alignment is implemented by testing the goodness of fit of the empirical frequency distribution to the theoretical probability distribution. A brief survey and analysis of spreadsheet methods, used to generate of frequency distributions, is also provided.