Example

In the example shown, the formula in F5 is: Note that the VARP function ignores the “NA” text in C8, while VARPA includes this in the variance estimate as zero.

Variation functions in Excel

The table below summarizes the variation functions available in Excel.

Notes

VARPA assumes data represents the entire population. If data represents a sample, use VARA or VAR.S VARPA evaluates text values and logicals in references, unlike VARP. Arguments can either be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers. Arguments can be hard-coded values instead of references. To ignore logical values and/or text in references, use VARP or VAR.P

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.