Purpose
Return value
Syntax
=STDEVA(number1,[number2],...)- number1 - First number or reference in the sample.
- number2 - [optional] Second number or reference.
How to use
The STDEVA function calculates the standard deviation for a sample set of data, evaluating text and logicals as numbers as part of the calculation. TEXT is evaluated as zero, TRUE is evaluated as 1, and FALSE is evaluated as zero.
Standard deviation is a measure of how much variance there is in a set of numbers compared to the average (mean) of the numbers. The STDEVA function is meant to estimate standard deviation in a sample. If data represents an entire population, use the STDEVPA function.
In the example shown, the formula in E5 is:
=STDEVA(B5:B11)
Standard Deviation functions in Excel
The table below summarizes the standard deviation functions provided by Excel.
| Name | Data set | Text and logicals |
|---|---|---|
| STDEV | Sample | Ignored |
| STDEVP | Population | Ignored |
| STDEV.S | Sample | Ignored |
| STDEV.P | Population | Ignored |
| STDEVA | Sample | Evaluated |
| STDEVPA | Population | Evaluated |
Notes
- Only use STDEVA when you need to evaluate logicals or text in the standard deviation calculation.
- STDEVA calculates standard deviation using the "n-1" method.
- STDEVA assumes data is a sample. If data representations an entire population, use STDEVP or STDEV.P.
- Values are supplied as arguments. They can be supplied as actual numbers, ranges, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
- STDEVA evaluates logical values and/or numbers in supplied references. To ignore these values use STDEV or STDEV.S
Related functions
STDEV.S Function
The Excel STDEV.S function calculates the standard deviation for a sample set of data. STDEV.S replaces the older STDEV function, with the same behavior.
STDEVP Function
The STDEVP function calculates the standard deviation for data that represents a population. STDEVP has been replaced with a newer function called STDEV.P, which has the same behavior.
STDEV.P Function
The Excel STDEV.P function calculates the standard deviation for a sample set of data. STDEV.P calculates standard deviation using the "n" method, ignoring logical values and text.
