How to Use STDEV Function in Excel
Summary In this tutorial, you'll master the STDEV function in Excel to calculate the standard deviation of a dataset. This is a foundational skill for anyone analyzing data, as it helps gauge the spread or variability of your data points.
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with STDEV
STDEV calculates the standard deviation based on a sample of data. It's written as STDEV(number1, [number2], ...).
number1, number2, ...: These arguments represent your data. You can input up to 255 of them!
For further nuances, consult the Microsoft Office documentation.
Step 2: Enter Your Data
- Launch Excel and start a new sheet.
- Fill cells A1 through A10 with values, incrementing by 10 starting from 10. So, A1 would have 10, A2 would have 20, and so on till A10 has 100.
Step 3: Crunch the Numbers
- Click on cell A11.
- Type
=STDEV(A1:A10)and hit Enter.
Step 4: Decipher the Outcome
The number displayed in cell A11 represents the standard deviation of your dataset, indicating the average amount by which each data point deviates from the mean.
Step 5: Go Beyond
Feel free to adjust your input values and see how the standard deviation changes. The STDEV function remains a cornerstone for insightful statistical analysis, essential for sectors like finance and data analysis.
For a deeper dive, consider exploring LinkedIn Learning Course which elaborates on Excel's vast array of statistical tools.
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