A spreadsheet application can be leveraged to determine the standardized score. This calculation transforms a raw data point into a value reflecting its distance from the mean in terms of standard deviations. For example, given a data set with a mean of 70 and a standard deviation of 10, a data point of 85 would yield a positive standardized score, indicating it lies above the average.
The ability to compute this standardized metric within a spreadsheet environment provides several advantages. It facilitates statistical analysis, enables comparisons across different datasets, and aids in identifying outliers. Historically, these computations were performed manually or with dedicated statistical software. Integrating the calculation into a spreadsheet streamlines the process and makes it accessible to a broader range of users.