In the example shown, the formula in F7 is: Note: Microsoft classifies STDEV as a “compatibility function”, now replaced by the STDEV.S function.

Standard Deviation functions in Excel

The table below summarizes the standard deviation functions provided by Excel. Notes:

STDEV calculates standard deviation using the “n-1” method. STDEV assumes data is a sample only. When data represents an entire population, use STDEVP or STDEV.P. Numbers are supplied as arguments. They can be supplied as actual numbers, ranges, arrays, or references that contain numbers. STDEV ignores text and logical values that occur in references, but evaluates text and logicals hardcoded as function arguments. To evaluate logical values and/or text in the calculation, use the STDEVA function.

Dave Bruns

Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.