The STDEVA function in Excel is used to calculate the standard deviation based on a sample, including text and logical values. This function is useful when you have a dataset that includes both numbers and non-numeric data and you need to consider the non-numeric values in your calculation.

Here’s how to use the STDEVA function:

Syntax

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STDEVA(value1, [value2], ...)

• value1: Required. The first value or reference in the sample.
• value2, …: Optional. Additional values or references to include in the sample. You can include up to 254 arguments in total.

Points to Remember

• Includes Non-Numeric Data: Unlike the STDEV.S function, STDEVA treats text as 0 and logical values (TRUE or FALSE) as 1 and 0, respectively. If your data contains text strings, they will be counted as 0 in the calculation.
• Sample Calculation: Use STDEVA when you have a sample of data rather than an entire population. If your data represents a full population, use the STDEVPA function instead.
• Empty Cells: Empty cells are ignored in the calculation.

Examples

• Basic Example

Suppose you have the following data in cells A1 through A5:

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   A1: 10
   A2: 15
   A3: 20
   A4: TRUE
   A5: "Text"

To calculate the standard deviation including all these cells:

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   =STDEVA(A1:A5)

This will evaluate the dataset as (10, 15, 20, 1, 0).

• Multiple Arguments

If you want to include data from different areas or non-continuous cells:

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   =STDEVA(A1:A3, A4, A5)

• Example with Logical Values

Given cells containing logical values:

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   B1: 5
   B2: FALSE
   B3: 7
   B4: TRUE

Use:

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   =STDEVA(B1:B4)

This will calculate using (5, 0, 7, 1) where FALSE is 0 and TRUE is 1.

By following these instructions, you can effectively use the STDEVA function to compute the standard deviation for samples that include non-numeric data.

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