What is a triangular distribution?
The triangular distribution models uncertainty when you can specify min, most likely (mode), and max values. It’s commonly used for quick estimates and PERT-like inputs.
- a: minimum (optimistic).
- c: mode / most likely value.
- b: maximum (pessimistic).
- If c is closer to a or b, the distribution becomes skewed.
PDF: for a≤x<c, 2(x-a)/((b-a)(c-a)); for c≤x≤b, 2(b-x)/((b-a)(b-c)). Mean: (a+b+c)/3. Variance: (a²+b²+c²-ab-ac-bc)/18.
You don’t need to enter personal information to use this tool.
Presets
Quickly set common estimation shapes (you can tweak values after applying).
Generator
Set min/mode/max, sample size, bins, and RNG. Then generate samples and export results.
Sample stats
Samples (first 20)
How to use this tool
Use this page when you know a minimum, a most likely value, and a maximum and need a fast bounded model.
Use in 3 steps
- Enter
a,c, andbso thata ≤ c ≤ b. - Generate a sample and compare the histogram with the theoretical PDF and summary statistics.
- Change only one input at a time to separate shifts in the center, skew, and total range.
How to read the result
The histogram shows the sampled shape. The theory panel shows the exact mean and variance implied by your inputs. If c moves toward a or b, the shape becomes visibly skewed.
Boundary checks
- If
c=aorc=b, almost all asymmetry points to one side. - Keep the same unit across scenarios before comparing outputs.
- When comparing with Beta or PERT, match the same bounds and the same interpretation of the mode.