The `STDEV.P` function in Excel is used to calculate the standard deviation of an entire population of data. This function is useful when you need to evaluate the dispersion of a set of values that represent the entire population rather than a sample.
Here’s how to use the `STDEV.P` function:
Syntax:
STDEV.P(number1, [number2], ...)
- number1, [number2], …: These are the numbers, cell references, or ranges that comprise the population data set. You must provide at least one number, and you can include up to 254 arguments.
Steps to Use `STDEV.P`:
- Enter your data: Make sure that all the values you want to calculate the standard deviation for are in an Excel sheet. You can have these values listed in a column or row, or throughout the spreadsheet.
- Select an empty cell: Click on the cell where you want the result of the standard deviation calculation to appear.
- Enter the formula: Type the formula `=STDEV.P(` into the selected cell.
- Add arguments: After typing `=STDEV.P(`, include the numbers you want to use:
- If your data are in a continuous range (e.g., A1:A10), type the range: `=STDEV.P(A1:A10)`.
- If your data are scattered across different cells, you can include those cells by separating them with commas: `=STDEV.P(A1, A3, A5, B2)`.
- Close the parentheses and press Enter: After inputting your data range or list of numbers, close the formula with a closing parenthesis `)` and press `Enter`. The cell will now display the standard deviation of the population.
Example:
Suppose you have data in cells A1 through A5 and you want to calculate the standard deviation of these values which represent an entire population:
- Enter the data in cells A1 through A5.
- Click on an empty cell where you want the result, say B1.
- Enter the formula `=STDEV.P(A1:A5)`.
- Press `Enter`. The standard deviation of your specified data range will appear in cell B1.
Note:
- If there is a possibility that some cells in your range contain text or are empty, and you want to ignore them, it will automatically handle these non-numeric values, as only numeric values are included in the calculation.
- If you have a sample of a larger population, use `STDEV.S` instead of `STDEV.P` as `STDEV.S` calculates the standard deviation for a sample rather than a full population.
That’s it! You should be able to easily calculate the standard deviation for a population with the `STDEV.P` function in Excel.
Unlock Your Potential
Excel
Access
Power BI
