Summary

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.

Purpose 

Get standard deviation of population

Return value 

Estimated standard deviation

Syntax

=STDEVP(number1,[number2],...)
  • number1 - First number or reference in the sample.
  • number2 - [optional] Second number or reference.

How to use 

The STDEVP function calculates the standard deviation for an entire population. 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 STDEVP function is meant to estimate standard deviation for an entire population. If data represents a sample, use the STDEV function.

Note: STDEVP has been replaced with a newer function called STDEV.P, which has identical behavior. Although STDEVP still exists for backwards compatibility, Microsoft recommends that people use the newer STDEV.P function instead.

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:

  • STDEVP calculates standard deviation using the "n" method, ignoring logical values and text.
  • STDEVP assumes your data is the entire population. When your data is a sample set only, calculate standard deviation using the STDEV function (or its more current replacement, the STDEV.S function).
  • Numbers are supplied as arguments. They can be supplied as actual numbers, ranges, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
  • The STDEVP function ignores logical values and text. If you want to include logical values and/or numbers as text in a reference, use the STDEVA function.
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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.