Purpose
Return value
Syntax
=DEVSQ(number1,[number2],...)- number1 - First value or reference.
- number2 - [optional] Second value or reference.
How to use
The Excel DEVSQ function calculates the sum of the squared deviations from the mean for a given set of data. Variance and standard deviation functions deal with negative deviations by squaring deviations before they are averaged. DEVSQ calculates the sum of the squared deviations from the mean, without dividing by N or by N-1.
The DEVSQ function takes multiple arguments in the form number1, number2, number3, etc. up to 255 total. Arguments can be a hardcoded constant, a cell reference, or a range. A single range or array can be provided instead of multiple arguments.
Examples
In the example shown, the formula in G5 is:
=DEVSQ(B5:B10)
The formulas in C5 and D5 are, respectively:
=B5-$G$4 // deviation
=C5^2 // squared deviation
The value in D12 (34) is simply the sum of D5:D10, and agrees with the value calculated directly by DEVSQ in G5.
Notes
- Arguments can be numbers, names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
- Empty cells, and cells that contain text or logical values are ignored.
Related functions
AVERAGE Function
The Excel AVERAGE function calculates the average (arithmetic mean) of supplied numbers. AVERAGE can handle up to 255 individual arguments, which can include numbers, cell references, ranges, arrays, and constants.
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.
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.
AVEDEV Function
The Excel AVEDEV function returns the average of the absolute value of deviations from the mean for a given set of data. Average deviation is a measure of variability.
