LearnThatStack Ace your next interview
Data Preparation & Feature Engineering · question
Question 8 of 58

What is the difference between normalization and standardization?

beginner
← All Data Preparation & Feature Engineering questions
Re-explain

Normalization usually means min-max scaling: subtract the minimum, divide by the range, landing every value between 0 and 1. Standardization subtracts the mean and divides by the standard deviation, giving mean 0 and spread 1 with no fixed bounds.

The practical split is bounds versus distribution. Min-max guarantees a range, which suits pixel values and network inputs that expect one. Standardization guarantees location and spread, which is what linear models and principal component analysis assume.

Neither changes the shape of the distribution. Standardizing a skewed column leaves it skewed; if you wanted symmetry, you need a log or power transform instead.

Min-max is the fragile one. A single extreme maximum squeezes every other value into a narrow band near zero, and the range you fitted on rarely holds for future data.

Rewriting in plainer words…

This answer doesn't lend itself to a diagram - it reads best . No credits were charged.

Why there's no diagram: “”

The interactive diagram is below the answer - jump to diagram ↓ · Below it, the related concept . Jump to it ↓

The diagram below the answer is the concept . Jump to it ↓

Tailored explanation · switch back to · ·
What should the new diagram focus on?
How well did you know this?
AI:

Saved in this browser - sign in to keep your review list.

How should your speech become text?

Listening… your words appear above as you speak - tap Stop when you're done.

Recording · cr - tap Stop & transcribe when you're done.

Transcribing with AI…

Voice:

Keep going - a few more words and AI can grade it.

Interview lens

Likely follow-ups, what you can say, and the weak answers to avoid.

Sign in free to open it Free account - the lens opens as soon as you're back.

Want a quick review of the fundamentals? See the Data Preparation & Feature Engineering cheatsheet.

← Back to all Data Preparation & Feature Engineering questions
Pro · $10/mo

50 of 58 Data Preparation & Feature Engineering answers are in Pro.

Full answers, code samples, and AI explanations that go simpler or deeper. Cancel anytime.

  • Full answers + code
  • AI explanations, simpler or deeper
  • 1,000 AI credits / month
  • Cancel anytime