How to Use the STDEV Function in Excel

Welcome to the comprehensive guide on using the STDEV function in Excel and Google Sheets. This function calculates the standard deviation from a sample of data within a specified range, providing a quantitative measure of the variation or dispersion among data values.

Syntax:

The STDEV function’s syntax is consistent across both Excel and Google Sheets:

=STDEV(number1, [number2], ...)
  • number1, number2, etc.: These are the data points of the sample for which the standard deviation is to be calculated. The first argument is required, while subsequent ones are optional.

Examples:

Below, we explore how to effectively use the STDEV function in both Excel and Google Sheets through practical examples:

Example 1 – Excel:

Consider the following sample data in cells A1 to A5:

Data
5
7
3
10
6

In Excel, to calculate the standard deviation of this sample, use the formula:

=STDEV(A1:A5)

This formula returns the standard deviation of the listed values.

Example 2 – Google Sheets:

For the same data set, calculate the standard deviation in Google Sheets using:

=STDEV(A1:A5)

Input this formula into any empty cell to obtain the standard deviation of the sample.

Applications:

The STDEV function is widely utilized in various fields for statistical analysis and forecasting. Common applications include:

  • Quality control, to monitor and analyze variations in product quality.
  • Financial analysis, to assess investment risks and returns.
  • Scientific research, for analyzing data and testing hypotheses.

Using the STDEV function enables professionals to accurately measure data variability, facilitating informed decision-making based on statistical insights.

More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/stdev-function-51fecaaa-231e-4bbb-9230-33650a72c9b0

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