Excel 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.

Purpose

Get standard deviation of population

Return value

Estimated standard deviation

Syntax

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

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

How to use

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

Note: STDEV.P replaces the STDEVP function, with 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:

STDEV.P calculates standard deviation using the "n" method, ignoring logical values and text.
STDEV.P assumes data is an entire population. When data is a sample only, use the STDEV.S function.
Numbers are supplied as arguments. They can be supplied as actual numbers, ranges, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
To evaluate logical values and/or numbers as text in a reference, use the STDEVA function.