Purpose
Return value
Syntax
=STDEV.S(number1,[number2],...)- number1 - First number or reference in the sample.
- number2 - [optional] Second number or reference.
How to use
The STDEV.S function calculates the standard deviation in 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.S function is meant to estimate standard deviation in a sample. If data represents an entire population, use the STDEV.P function.
Note: STDEV.S replaces the older STDEV function, but has identical behavior. Although STDEV still exists for backwards compatibility, Microsoft recommends that people use the newer STDEV.S 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.S calculates standard deviation using the "n-1" method.
- STDEV.S assumes data is a sample only. When data represents an entire population, use the STDEV.P function.
- Numbers are supplied as arguments. They can be supplied as actual numbers, ranges, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
- STDEV.S ignores empty cells, logical values, and text that appears in supplied reference(s).
- STDEV.S will evaluate text and logical values hardcoded as function arguments.
- To evaluate logical values and/or numbers as text in a reference, see the STDEVA function.
STDEV.S function examples
Coefficient of variation
Standard deviation calculation
Related functions
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.
STDEVP Function
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.
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.
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.
