Excel STDEV.P Function
Summary
The Excel STDEV.P function calculates the standard deviation for a sample set of data. STDEV.P calculates standard deviation using the "n" method, ignoring logical values and text.
Purpose
Get standard deviation of population
Return value
Estimated standard deviation
Syntax
=STDEV.P (number1, [number2], ...)
Arguments
- number1 - First number or reference in the sample.
- number2 - [optional] Second number or reference.
Usage notes
The STDEV.P function calculates the standard deviation for a sample set of data. Standard deviation is a measure of how much variance there is in a set of numbers compared to the average (mean) of the numbers. The STDEV.P function is meant to estimate standard deviation for an entire population. If data represents a sample, use the STDEV.S function.
Note: STDEV.P replaces the STDEVP function, with identical behavior. Although STDEVP still exists for backwards compatibility, Microsoft recommends that people use the newer STDEV.P function instead.
Standard Deviation functions in Excel
The table below summarizes the standard deviation functions provided by Excel.
| Name | Data set | Text and logicals |
|---|---|---|
| STDEV | Sample | Ignored |
| STDEVP | Population | Ignored |
| STDEV.S | Sample | Ignored |
| STDEV.P | Population | Ignored |
| STDEVA | Sample | Evaluated |
| STDEVPA | Population | Evaluated |
Notes:
- STDEV.P calculates standard deviation using the "n" method, ignoring logical values and text.
- STDEV.P assumes data is an entire population. When data is a sample only, use the STDEV.S function.
- Numbers are supplied as arguments. They can be supplied as actual numbers, ranges, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
- To evaluate logical values and/or numbers as text in a reference, use the STDEVA function.