• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • My Store
  • Glossary
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me

Statistics By Jim

Making statistics intuitive

  • Graphs
  • Basics
  • Hypothesis Testing
  • Regression
  • ANOVA
  • Probability
  • Time Series
  • Fun
  • Calculators

Logistic Distribution

By Jim Frost

« Back to Glossary Index

The logistic distribution is a continuous probability distribution that looks similar to the normal distribution but has heavier tails and a slightly sharper peak. It is defined by two parameters: a location parameter (μ) and a scale parameter (s). The distribution is symmetric around its mean.

The logistic distribution is used in logistic regression and models growth processes, population spread, and probabilities of binary outcomes. Because of its heavier tails, it can sometimes model real-world data better than the normal distribution when more extreme values occur.

For example, in logistic regression, the logistic function models the probability that a person will click an online ad based on age and browsing behavior.

The graph below displays three logistic distributions with different location parameters (spread).

Graph displaying logistic distribution examples.

Related

Related Articles:
  • How to Identify the Distribution of Your Data
  • Logistic Regression Overview with Example
« Back to Glossary Index

Primary Sidebar

Meet Jim

I’ll help you intuitively understand statistics by focusing on concepts and using plain English so you can concentrate on understanding your results.

Read More...

Buy My Introduction to Statistics Book!

Cover of my Introduction to Statistics: An Intuitive Guide ebook.

Buy My Hypothesis Testing Book!

Cover image of my Hypothesis Testing: An Intuitive Guide ebook.

Buy My Regression Book!

Cover for my ebook, Regression Analysis: An Intuitive Guide for Using and Interpreting Linear Models.

Subscribe by Email

Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts by email.

    I won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Buy My Thinking Analytically Book!

    Cover for my book, Thinking Analytically: An Guide for Making Data-Driven Decisions.

    Top Posts

    • F-table
    • Cronbach’s Alpha: Definition, Calculations & Example
    • Z-table
    • How To Interpret R-squared in Regression Analysis
    • Box Plot Explained with Examples
    • How to Interpret P-values and Coefficients in Regression Analysis
    • Interpreting Correlation Coefficients
    • T-Distribution Table of Critical Values
    • Multicollinearity in Regression Analysis: Problems, Detection, and Solutions
    • Cohens D: Definition, Using & Examples

    Recent Posts

    • Data Collection Methods: Step-By-Step Guide with Examples
    • ANOVA Calculator
    • Positive Predictive Value: Meaning, Formula, and Interpretation
    • Median Absolute Deviation Calculator
    • Median Absolute Deviation: Definition, Finding & Formula
    • Outlier Calculator

    Recent Comments

    • Skata na fas on Comparing Regression Lines with Hypothesis Tests
    • Jim Frost on Comparing Regression Lines with Hypothesis Tests
    • Skata na fas on Comparing Regression Lines with Hypothesis Tests
    • Skata na fas on Comparing Regression Lines with Hypothesis Tests
    • Jim Frost on Pareto Chart: Making, Reading & Examples

    Copyright © 2026 · Jim Frost · Privacy Policy