How to use the Excel VAR.P function

Summary

The Excel VAR.P function returns the variance in an entire population. If data represents a sample of the population, use the VAR.S function.

Purpose

Get variation of population

Return value

Computed variance

Syntax

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

Arguments

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

Usage notes

The VAR.P function calculates variance for data that represents an entire population. Variance measures how far a data set is spread out, giving you a general idea of the spread of your data. The VAR.P function can accept up to 254 arguments.

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.P assumes data represents the entire population. If data represents a sample, compute variance with VAR.S.
VAR.P 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, use the VARPA function.

Related functions

Excel STDEVP Function

The STDEVP function calculates the standard deviation for a sample set of data. STDEVP has been replaced with a newer function called STDEV.P, which has the same behavior.

Excel STDEV Function

The Excel STDEV function returns the standard deviation for data that represents a sample. To calculate the standard deviation for an entire population, use STDEVP or STDEV.P.

Excel 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.

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.

Excel VARP Function

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

Good links

Microsoft VAR.P function documentation

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