Excel - STDEVA Function



STDEVA Function

In Microsoft Excel, multiple powerful Statistical functions, such as STDEV.P, STDEV.S, STDEVA, and STDEVPA, with minor differences, are used to determine the standard deviation.

The Excel STDEVA function evaluates the standard deviation based on a sample extracted from the enormous dataset. This function also incorporates the Boolean and text values in the sample and also interprets that its arguments are a sample of the population. You can utilize the STDEVPA to calculate the standard deviation of the entire population.

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS Excel

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel 2013
  • Excel 2010
  • Excel 2007

Syntax

The syntax of the STDEVA function is as follows −

=STDEVA(value1, [value2] ...)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the STDEVA function −

Argument Description Required/ Optional
Value1

It indicates the 1 to 255 values corresponding to a sample of a population.

It may contain a single array or a cell reference that points to an array.

Required
Value2,... Optional

Points to Remember

The mathematical notation of the STDEVA −

$$\mathrm{\sum(x\:-\:\bar{x})2n\:-\:1 \:-------\: \sqrt(\sum (x \:-\: \bar{x})2n \:-\: 1}$$

Where x¯x¯  is the sample mean AVERAGE (value1, value2 …) and n is the sample size.

  • You can employ the "n-1" method to determine the standard deviation.
  • The following type of data can be defined in the arguments
    • Numeric value
    • Arrays, names, or cell references that point to numbers
    • Numbers’ text depictions
    • Boolean values, such as TRUE and FALSE, in a reference
  • If the logical and text values are specified in the arguments, then the TRUE is treated as 1 and the Text value and FALSE is treated as 0.
  • If an array is defined in the arguments, then only numeric values would be considered in it. Text string or blank cells in the array are skipped.
  • If only one numeric value is specified in the Function's argument, then the STDEVA function retrieves the #DIV/0! Error.
  • If only text values are directly specified to the argument, then the STDEVA function retrieves the #VALUE! Error.
  • Use the STDEV function if the dataset comprises numeric values only.

Examples of STDEVA Function

Practice the following examples to learn the use of the STDEVA function in Excel.

Example 1: How to Estimate the Standard Deviation in the Mixed Set of Data using the STDEVA Function?

In this example, the fundamental concept of the STDEVA function is illustrated by the passing cell range in its argument.

Solution

Step 1 − First, assume the sample numeric dataset, the numbers are written in the cell range B3:E5.

STDEVA Function1

Step 2 − Afterward, select the cell range F3:F5 and write the formula =STDEVA(B3:E3) in the formula bar.

STDEVA Function2

After that, press the "Ctrl+ Enter" to calculate the standard deviation of the specific cell range F2:F4.

STDEVA Function3

Example 2

If only one numeric value is specified in the Function's argument, then the STDEVA function retrieves the #DIV/0! Error.

Solution

You can write the formula =STDEVA(1) in the B3 cell and hit the Enter tab.

STDEVA Function4

Therefore, the STDEVA function yields an #DIV/0! Error.

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the STDEVA function.

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