Heavy ion fusion cross sections and compound nucleus average spin values obtained from distribution of fusion barriers are discussed. Various shapes of distribution functions are studied using a truncated Gaussian distribution function (TGD). It is shown that fusion cross section and average spin values are less sensitive to different parametrization of TGD function, whereas the second derivative of the product of energy and fusion cross sections (w.r.t. energy), obtained from the corresponding TGD functions are significantly different depending on the shape of the barrier distribution function. It is also shown byχ 2 analysis of fusion cross section data that some systems favour a narrow Gaussian distribution function whereas others, for which the vibrational and rotational collective states are less important, favour a flat barrier distribution. A physical interpretation of the dynamical process that gives rise to different barrier distribution is given in the framework of microscopic coupled channel calculations.