STDEV.P function

The Excel STDEV.P function is a statistical function used to calculate the standard deviation of a given set of numbers in a population. It measures the degree of variation or dispersion in the data, providing valuable insights into the data’s overall spread.

Syntax

STDEV.P(number1, [number2], …)

Arguments

number1	The first number or range of numbers you want to include in the calculation.
[number2]	(Optional) Additional numbers or ranges to include in the calculation. You can include up to 255 number arguments.

How to Use

The STDEV.P function is simple to use and can help you understand how spread out the values in your dataset are. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Start by opening an Excel spreadsheet where you have your data. For example, you might have a list of test scores, stock prices, or any other numerical data.

Step 2: Choose a cell where you want the standard deviation to appear. This is where you’ll enter the STDEV.P function.

Step 3: Enter the following formula, replacing “number1” with the actual range or individual numbers you want to calculate the standard deviation for:

Step 4: Press the Enter key, and Excel will calculate and display the standard deviation for the provided data. It’s important to note that STDEV.P assumes the data represents an entire population, not just a sample.

Examples:

Let’s say you have a list of test scores for a class: 85, 92, 78, 96, 88. To calculate the standard deviation for these scores, use the formula:

Alternatively, you can use a range of cells, such as:

This will give you the standard deviation for the data set.

Additional Information:

The STDEV.P function is used when you have data that represents an entire population. If you’re working with a sample from a population, you should use the STDEV.S function to estimate the standard deviation. The STDEV.S function assumes that the data is only a subset of the population and adjusts the calculation accordingly.