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Which standard deviation to use in excel

April 27, 2023
12.9K Views

Which standard deviation to use in excel? There are three types of standard deviation in excel, STDEV, STDEVP, and STDEV.S. The type of results required specifies which type of SD to use. The STDEVP is used when the entire values of population are exactly known. In case if you are unsure if it, use either STDEV.S or STDEV. They both return the exact answer.

This guide below will explain usage of all three types of standard deviation formulas and put an end to the question which standard deviation to use in excel. So let’s get started.

Use STDEVP in excel

1. Open a document you wish to use standard deviation. This document has random values and it is required to find the standard deviation of this data.

2. Click on the cell B3 or anywhere where you want to derive standard deviation.

3. click “equals” sign.

4. Now type st, a drop down list appears.

5. Click on STDEVP. The function is enabled.

6. Now click and hold on cell A3, drag down till the last value at A22 and release the mouse button. The range is selected.

7. Not hit Enter key. You have your standard deviation population or STDEVP.

Use STDEV.S in excel

1. Open a document you wish to use standard deviation. This document has random values and it is required to find the standard deviation of this data.

2. Click on the cell B3 or anywhere where you want to derive standard deviation.

3. click “equals” sign.

4. Now type st, a drop down list appears.

5. Click on STDEV.S, the function is enabled.

6. Now click and hold on cell A3, drag down till the last value at A22 and release the mouse button. The range is selected.

7. Not hit Enter key. You have your standard deviation sample or STDEV.S

Use STDEV in excel

1. Open a document you wish to use standard deviation. This document has random values and it is required to find the standard deviation of this data.

2. Click on the cell B3 or anywhere where you want to derive standard deviation.

3. click “equals” sign.

4. Now type st, a drop down list appears.

5. Click on STDEV, the function is enabled.

6. Now click and hold on cell A3, drag down till the last value at A22 and release the mouse button. The range is selected.

7. Not hit Enter key. You have your standard deviation sample or STDEV.S.

Notice that the results of the STDEV and STDEV.S gives same answer because they perform same sampling function either way. The only difference is in the value of STDEVP becuase it gives standard deviation of entire population only in the case if the complete values are known.

So now you know which standard deviation to use in excel. Need to edit Word/Excel/PPT file free of charge? Download WPS Office edit files like without any cost. Download now! To get enjoyable working experience.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.