The Excel function STDEV.S calculates the sample standard deviation.

Buzz

This article introduces the STDEV.S function, one of the commonly used statistical functions in Excel.

Description: The function returns the sample standard deviation, ignoring logical and text values. Standard deviation measures the spread of values around the mean. This function is supported from Excel 2010 onwards.

Syntax: STDEV.S(number1,[number2],...)

In this section:

- number1,[number2],...: These are the values for which you want to calculate the standard deviation. number1 is the required parameter, and the rest are optional, with a maximum of 254 parameters number.

Note:

- The STDEV.S function assumes its arguments are a sample of the entire population.

- Standard deviation computed using the “n -1” method.

- The argument can be a number, a name, or an array containing numbers.

- Directly typing logical values and presenting text numbers into function arguments -> these values are still calculated.

- Function throws error when arguments are text or values that cannot be converted.

To calculate both logical and textual values, use the STDEVPA function.

The formula for STDEV.S is as follows:

$\sqrt{\frac{\sum {(x - \bar{x})}^{2}}{(n - 1)}}$

In which:

When calculating the average, remember x represents the sample mean AVERAGE(number1,number2,…).

Here, n stands for the sample size.

For example:

Calculate the standard deviation based on the sample values in the following dataset:

To find the standard deviation in Excel, enter the formula: =STDEV.S(D6:D10) at the desired cell.

Press Enter. The standard deviation based on the sample values will be calculated.

In cases where the values are text or logical, they will be ignored.

Here are instructions and some specific examples using the STDEV.S function in Excel.

Wishing you all the best in your endeavors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the STDEV.S function calculate in Excel?

The STDEV.S function calculates the sample standard deviation of a dataset while ignoring logical and text values. This statistical measure indicates how much individual values deviate from the mean, providing insight into the data's variability.

How do you use the STDEV.S function in Excel?

To use the STDEV.S function in Excel, input the formula =STDEV.S(number1, [number2], ...) in a cell, replacing 'number1' and 'number2' with the relevant data ranges. After pressing Enter, Excel computes the standard deviation of the specified values.

Can the STDEV.S function handle logical values in its arguments?

Yes, the STDEV.S function can handle logical values. However, it will ignore text values when calculating the standard deviation, ensuring that only numeric data is considered in the computation.

What is the significance of the sample size in the STDEV.S function?

The sample size is crucial in the STDEV.S function as it determines how the standard deviation is calculated. The function uses the formula 'n - 1', where 'n' is the number of data points, to ensure an unbiased estimate of the population standard deviation.

Mytour's content is for customer care and travel encouragement only, and we are not responsible.

For errors or inappropriate content, please contact us at: [email protected]