Excel - STDEV.S Function



STDEV.S Function

The Excel STDEV.S function calculates the standard deviation of a specific sample taken from the massive numeric dataset. However, logical and text values are skipped during its calculations. The core difference between the STDEV.S and STDEV.P is that the sum of squared differences from the average is partitioned by the n-1 in the STDEV.S function and in the later version, the sum of squares differences are partitioned by n.

The STDEV.S interchanged the STDEV function in Excel 2010. In the older version, you can STDEV function.

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

Syntax

The syntax of the STDEV.S function is as follows −

=STDEV.S(number1,[number2],...)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the STDEV.S function −

Argument Description Required/ Optional
Number1 It represents the first number argument that may be a single array or cell range that points to numeric values. Required
Number2, ... It may contain the number 2 argument up to the 254 arguments for a sample. Optional

Points to Remember

  • STDEV.S uses the following formula −

(xˉx)2n1

Where x is the sample mean AVERAGE(number1,number2,…) and n is the sample size.

  • The STDEV.S function utilizes the "n-1" method to compute the standard deviation.
  • This function interprets the sample taken from the massive dataset.
  • The text string, blank cells, and Boolean values are not counted in the given array or the reference argument. Only numbers are counted in the defined array or cell references.
  • If the specific cell contains the error in the defined cell range or the given array, then the STDEV.S function returns the same error.
  • If only one data point is specified in the array, then the STDEV.S function returns the #DIV/0!.

Examples of STDEV.S Function

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

Example 1: How do you use the STDEV.S Function in Excel?

Solution

In this example, we will explore the core concept of the STDEV.S function to calculate the sample standard deviation rounded to three digits.

Step 1 − First, assume the sample data which is written in the cell range B3:B12 comprises numbers only.

STDEV.S Function1

Therefore, the sample standard deviation is 34.17497 returned by the STDEV.S function.

STDEV.S Function2

Step 2 − Afterward, round the final result to the three digits using the ROUND function. Double-click on the D11 cell and enter the formula =ROUND(D10,3). In this expression, the D10 gives the computed result of the STDEV.S function and 3 indicates only three digits occurred after the decimal point.

STDEV.S Function3

Therefore, the resulting value is 34.175.

STDEV.S Function4

Example 2

If only one data point is specified in the array, then the STDEV.S function returns the #DIV/0!.

Solution

You may write the formula =STDEV.P(1) in the B3 cell and press the Enter tab. In this expression, only one number is passed to the argument.

STDEV.S Function5

After hitting the Enter tab, the resulting value is #DIV/0!.

STDEV.S Function6

Download Practice Sheet

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

Advertisements