STDEV.S Function
The STDEV.S function is a premade function in Excel, which calculates the Standard Deviation (Std) for a sample.
It is typed =STDEV.S
Note: This function ignores cells with text and logic. Note: Standard deviation (σ) measures how far a 'typical' observation is from the average of the data (μ). You can read more about standard deviation in the Statistics - Standard Deviation Tutorial. Tip: There is another function called STDEV.P that can be used if you have the data for the entire population.
How to use the =STDEV.S function:
- Select a cell (
H5) - Type
=STDEV.S - Double click the STDEV.S command
- Select a range (
E2:E21) - Hit enter
Let's have a look at an example!
Find the Standard Deviation for the sample of Pokemon total stats in the range E2:E21:
# Name Type 1 Type 2 Total
1 Bulbasaur Grass Poison 318
2 Ivysaur Grass Poison 405
3 Venusaur Grass Poison 525
4 Charmander Fire 309 STDEV.S
5 Charmeleon Fire 405
6 Charizard Fire Flying 534
7 Squirtle Water 314
8 Wartortle Water 405
9 Blastoise Water 530
10 Caterpie Bug 195
11 Metapod Bug 205
12 Butterfree Bug Flying 395
13 Weedle Bug Poison 195
14 Kakuna Bug Poison 205
15 Beedrill Bug Poison 395
16 Pidgey Normal Flying 251
17 Pidgeotto Normal Flying 349
18 Pidgeot Normal Flying 479
19 Rattata Normal 253
20 Raticate Normal 413
That's the way! The STDEV.S function has successfully returned the Standard Deviation 113,2319 for the sample of Pokemons Total stats.