核密度估计（kernel density estimation）是在概率论中用来估计未知的密度函数，属于非参数检验方法之一，由Rosenblatt (1955)和Emanuel Parzen(1962)提出，又名Parzen窗（Parzen window）。Ruppert和Cline基于数据集密度函数聚类算法提出修订的核密度估计方法。

核密度估计在估计边界区域的时候会出现边界效应。

在单变量核密度估计的基础上，可以创建风险价值的预测模型。通过对核密度估计变异系数的加权处理，可以创建不同的风险价值的预测模型。

In statistics, kernel density estimation (KDE) is a non-parametric way to estimate the probability density function of a random variable. Kernel density estimation is a fundamental data smoothing problem where inferences about the population are made, based on a finite data sample. In some fields such as signal processing and econometrics it is also termed the Parzen–Rosenblatt window method, after Emanuel Parzen and Murray Rosenblatt, who are usually credited with independently creating it in its current form.