How to Use the DVARP Function in Excel

Welcome to this guide on DVARP function in Excel and Google Sheets!

Overview

The DVARP function in Excel and Google Sheets is utilized to calculate the population variance based on a sample of that population. It specifically returns the variance for a whole population within a selected range in a worksheet.

Syntax

The syntax for the DVARP function is:

=DVARP(database, field, criteria)
  • database: The range of cells that make up the database.
  • field: Specifies the column to be used in the calculation.
  • criteria: A range of cells containing the specified conditions for the function.

Examples

Let’s review some examples to clarify the application of the DVARP function in Excel and Google Sheets.

Example 1: Calculating the Variance of Sales Data

Imagine we possess a dataset of sales figures located in cells A1 to A10, and we aim to calculate the variance of this dataset.

Data
100
150
200
175
225
180
210
190
205
195

To compute the variance for this set of data, apply the following formula:

=DVARP(A1:A10, "Sales", "")

Example 2: Applying Criteria

The DVARP function can also compute variance based on specific conditions. For example, calculating the variance for sales data where the product category is “Electronics”.

Assume the product category is detailed in column B:

Data Category
100 Electronics
150 Clothing
200 Electronics
175 Electronics
225 Clothing

To derive the variance specific to the Electronics category, you would use:

=DVARP(A1:B5, "Sales", "Category = Electronics")

These examples illustrate how effectively the DVARP function in Excel and Google Sheets can be used to calculate population variance based on a defined sample and conditions.

More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/dvarp-function-eb0ba387-9cb7-45c8-81e9-0394912502fc

Other functions
Returns the average of selected database entries
Counts the cells that contain numbers in a database
Counts nonblank cells in a database
Extracts from a database a single record that matches the specified criteria
Returns the maximum value from selected database entries
Returns the minimum value from selected database entries
Multiplies the values in a particular field of records that match the criteria in a database
Estimates the standard deviation based on a sample of selected database entries
Calculates the standard deviation based on the entire population of selected database entries
Adds the numbers in the field column of records in the database that match the criteria
Estimates variance based on a sample from selected database entries