VAR.S Function - Computes sample variance based on data, ignoring logical and text values in Excel

This article introduces you to the VAR.S function - one of the most popular statistical functions in Excel.

Description: Computes sample variance based on data, ignoring logical and text values. Supported from Excel 2010 onwards.

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

Regarding:

- number1,[number2],...): The parameters in the population for which variance is to be calculated, where number1 is mandatory, and subsequent parameters are optional, containing up to 254 numbers.

Note:

- The VAR.S function assumes its arguments to be a sample of the population.

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

- If the argument is an array or reference, only values in that array are used.

- When directly typing logical values and textual number representations into the function's arguments -> these values are still considered.

- The function returns an error when the arguments are text or error values that cannot be converted.

- To compute both logical and textual values -> use the VARA function.

- The formula to compute the VAR.S function is:

∑(x−¯¯¯x)2(n−1)$\frac{\sum {\left(x-\overline{x}\right)}^2}{\left(n-1\right)}$

Where:

+ x represents the sample mean AVERAGE(number1,number2,…)

+ n stands for the sample size.

Example:

Calculate the variance based on the sample of number values in the dataset below:

- In the cell where calculation is needed, enter the formula: =VAR.S(D6:D10)

- Press Enter -> the variance based on the sample of number values is:

- In cases where the values are text or logical -> the function disregards these values:

Above is the guidance and some specific examples of using the VAR.S function in Excel.

Wishing you all success ahead!