Excel VAR function

The Excel VAR function estimates the variance of a sample of data. If data represents the entire population, use the VARP function or the newer VAR.P function. VAR ignores text values and logicals in references.

Purpose

Get variation of a sample

Return value

Computed variance

Syntax

=VAR(number1,[number2],...)

number1 - First number or reference.
number2 - [optional] Second number or reference.

How to use

The VAR function estimates the variance for a sample of data. Variance provides a general idea of the spread of data. In the example shown, the formula in F4 is:

=VAR(C5:C10)

VAR ignores text and logicals passed into as cell references. For example, VAR will ignore FALSE when it appears in a range like A1:A10. However, VAR will evaluate logical values, and text representations of numbers hardcoded directly as arguments.

Note: Microsoft classifies VAR as a "compatibility function", now replaced by the VAR.S function.

Variation functions in Excel

The table below summarizes the variation functions available in Excel.

Name	Data set	Text and logicals
VAR	Sample	Ignored
VARP	Population	Ignored
VAR.S	Sample	Ignored
VAR.P	Population	Ignored
VARA	Sample	Evaluated
VARPA	Population	Evaluated

Notes

VAR assumes arguments a sample of data, not entire population. If data represents the entire population, use VAR or VAR.P
VAR only evaluates numbers in references, ignoring empty cells, text, and logical values like TRUE or FALSE.
Arguments can either be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
Arguments can be hard-coded values instead of references.
To evaluate logical values and/or text in references, use the VARA function.