Gamma distribution

Positive right-skewed durations made from accumulated waiting or work stages.

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Shape
Use & avoid

Shape

Shape previewPositive and usually right-skewed; shape and scale control its form.

Relative density

Duration (seconds)

mean: 6 s

Use & avoid

Use when: Positive right-skewed durations made from accumulated waiting or work stages.
Avoid when: You need a strict upper bound.
Support: Positive values with no upper bound.
Parameters: Shape and scale; mean = shape × scale.
Common mistake: Changing shape without realizing that it changes both skew and, unless scale is adjusted, the mean.
Example: Total handling time created by several positive sub-steps.