How to Use the DSTDEV Function in Excel
Below is a comprehensive guide on utilizing the DSTDEV function within Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
Overview
The DSTDEV function is designed to calculate the standard deviation of a sample from specified database records that comply with given conditions. This function is instrumental in assessing the variability or dispersion within a dataset. It is supported by both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
Syntax
Both applications share the same syntax for the DSTDEV function:
=DSTDEV(database, field, criteria)database: Defines the range of cells that make up the database.field: Specifies the column containing the numerical data for which the standard deviation is to be computed.criteria: The range of cells that contains the conditions which the data needs to meet.
Examples
Example 1: Excel
Consider a database in Excel consisting of student scores where we are interested in computing the standard deviation of scores for students categorized under “A”.
| Student Name | Category | Score |
|---|---|---|
| John | A | 85 |
| Amy | B | 92 |
| Mark | A | 78 |
Formula in Excel:
=DSTDEV(A2:C4, "Score", A2:A4)This formula calculates the standard deviation of scores for students within category “A”.
Example 2: Google Sheets
In Google Sheets, consider determining the standard deviation for sales data of products with revenue exceeding $500.
| Product | Revenue |
|---|---|
| Product A | $600 |
| Product B | $400 |
| Product C | $750 |
Formula in Google Sheets:
=DSTDEV(A2:B4, "Revenue", B2:B4, ">500")This formula computes the standard deviation of revenues for products generating more than $500.
The DSTDEV function in Excel or Google Sheets enables straightforward analysis of data variability based on defined criteria within any given dataset.
More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/dstdev-function-026b8c73-616d-4b5e-b072-241871c4ab96