What is a Bell Curve in Performance Appraisal?
When an employee is on board on a pay grade, they get yearly increments added to their basic salary.
Characteristics of a Bell Curve Graph
- The highest point of the bell curve graph highlights the most occurring event in the database. It could be based on the mean, mode, and medium formulae.
- Whereas all the remaining occurrences will have a symmetrical distribution across both ends of the bell curve.
- The width of the bell curve for appraisal is actually the standard deviation. It shows the variance in the performances and the ratings from one end to another.

Understanding the Bell Curve Meaning
- The mean of all the occurrences will form the average rate or ratio of the performance a team or an individual achieves. The mean point will be the tipping point of this bell curve.
- While, the lowest and highest performance marks with lesser mean will create an upward/downward slope for the bell.
- So, the lowest performances will be placed at the left-end side of the curve. At the same time, the high performers and high achievers will be at the right-end of the curve.
- The average performers will make their mark at the tipping point of this bell curve in performance management.
Bell Curve in detail for the Performance Management Process
HR or reporting managers use a bell curve to determine their top performers. They can easily divide their current workforce into 20 percent of their top performers, 70% of their average ones, and 10% into lower performers.
The graphical representation makes it easier to locate performers eligible for appraisals. This bell curve method helps both employees and employers grow and take corrective action whenever required.
Best Practice:
Do uKnowva HRMS for a fully customisable and configurable representation of the bell curve. Use it well to spot the best performers in your team and set the normalisation rate according to the company policies without hassle.