What is marginal probability?

Updated May 17, 2026

Short answer

Marginal probability is the probability of a single variable regardless of other variables.

Deep explanation

Marginal probability is obtained by summing or integrating joint probabilities over other variables. It represents the standalone probability of an event in a multivariate system.

Real-world example

Probability of a customer buying a product regardless of age group.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing marginal probability with conditional probability.

Follow-up questions

  • How is marginal probability computed?
  • Why is it called marginal?

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