The Excel STDEV.S function calculates the standard deviation for a sample set of data. STDEV.S replaces the older STDEV function, with the same behavior.
Syntax:= STDEV.S (number1, [number2], …)
The STDEV.S function syntax has the following arguments:
- Number1 Required. The first number argument corresponding to a sample of a population. You can also use a single array or a reference to an array instead of arguments separated by commas.
-
Number2, … Optional. Number arguments 2 to 254 corresponding to a sample of a population. You can also use a single array or a reference to an array instead of arguments separated by commas.
Example: Let’s look at some Excel STDEV.S function examples and explore how to use the STDEV.S function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:
Suppose we are given a record of a business’ monthly expense figures over the last three years, as shown below:
For the standard deviation, the formula used is:
Syntax: =STDEV.S(B3:B14,D3:D14,F3:F14)
Result: 2562047.482
In the example above, the arguments to the Stdev.P function are input as 3 cell ranges. However, you can also input figures directly, as individual numbers or number arrays.
For example, if, during January and February 2021 the sales figures are 14,000,000 and 15,500,000, you could add these directly into the above function as follows:
Either as individual numbers:
Syntax: =STDEV.S(B4:B14,D4:D14,F4:F14,14000000,15500000)
Result: 2555106.931
Or, as an array of numbers:
Syntax: =STDEV.S(B4:B14,D4:D14,F4:F14,{14000000,15500000})
Result: 2555106.931
Note:
- STDEV.S assumes that its arguments are a sample of the population. If your data represents the entire population, then compute the standard deviation using STDEV.P.
- The standard deviation is calculated using the “n-1” method.
- Arguments can either be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
- Logical values and text representations of numbers that you type directly into the list of arguments are counted.
- If an argument is an array or reference, only numbers in that array or reference are counted. Empty cells, logical values, text, or error values in the array or reference are ignored.
- Arguments that are error values or text that cannot be translated into numbers cause errors.
- If you want to include logical values and text representations of numbers in a reference as part of the calculation, use the STDEVA function.
- STDEV.S uses the following formula:
where x is the sample mean AVERAGE(number1,number2,…) and n is the sample size.
