Weibull Distribution Calculator

Calculate Weibull distribution probabilities and quantiles by entering the shape parameter (α), scale parameter (β), and either an x value or a probability p. Choose between P(X < x) (left-tail) and P(X > x) (right-tail) to get the corresponding probability or percentile.

The shape parameter α > 0. Controls the failure rate behavior over time.

The scale parameter β > 0. Stretches or compresses the distribution.

Enter x to compute the probability P(X < x) or P(X > x).

Enter a probability between 0 and 1 to find the corresponding quantile x.

Results

Probability P(X < x) or P(X > x)

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Quantile x (from p)

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PDF f(x)

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Distribution Mean

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Standard Deviation

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Weibull PDF Curve

Results Table

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Weibull distribution used for?

The Weibull distribution is widely used in reliability engineering and survival analysis to model the time until failure of a component or system. It is flexible enough to represent increasing, decreasing, or constant failure rates depending on the shape parameter α.

What do the shape (α) and scale (β) parameters control?

The shape parameter α determines the behavior of the failure rate: α < 1 means decreasing failure rate (early failures), α = 1 reduces the Weibull to an exponential distribution (constant failure rate), and α > 1 means increasing failure rate (wear-out failures). The scale parameter β stretches or compresses the distribution along the x-axis and represents a characteristic life value.

How do I compute a left-tail probability P(X < x)?

Select 'P(X < x) — Left-tail' from the Probability Type dropdown, enter your shape α, scale β, and the x value. The calculator uses the Weibull CDF formula F(x) = 1 − exp(−(x/β)^α) to compute the probability that the random variable is less than x.

How do I find a quantile (percentile) from a probability?

Enter a probability value p between 0 and 1 in the 'Probability (p)' field while leaving x blank (or it will be overridden). The calculator inverts the CDF to find x such that P(X < x) = p, using the formula x = β × (−ln(1 − p))^(1/α).

What is the PDF formula for the Weibull distribution?

The probability density function is f(x) = (α/β) × (x/β)^(α−1) × exp(−(x/β)^α) for x > 0. This gives the density at a specific point x and is used to build the distribution curve shown in the chart.

What is the mean of a Weibull distribution?

The mean of a Weibull(α, β) distribution is β × Γ(1 + 1/α), where Γ is the gamma function. This calculator approximates the gamma function and displays the mean along with the standard deviation for your chosen parameters.

Can the Weibull distribution model other common distributions?

Yes. When α = 1, the Weibull distribution is identical to the exponential distribution with rate 1/β. When α = 2, it becomes the Rayleigh distribution. This flexibility makes it one of the most versatile continuous distributions in statistics and engineering.

What is the difference between left-tail and right-tail probability?

P(X < x) is the left-tail (cumulative) probability — the area under the PDF curve to the left of x. P(X > x) is the right-tail (survival) probability — the area to the right, equal to 1 − P(X < x). Right-tail probabilities are often used in reliability contexts to express the probability that a component survives beyond time x.

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