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DSTDEV Function

Excel 2007+, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 365

Summary

The DSTDEV function calculates the estimated standard deviation for a subset of database records matching specified criteria, treating the selected data as a sample from a larger population. Perfect for analyzing variability in filtered datasets like sales performance or quality metrics.

Syntax

DSTDEV(database, field, criteria)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
database	`Range`	Yes	Complete database range with headers in row 1
field	`String or Number`	Yes	Target column identifier - use quotes for names or numbers for position
criteria	`Range`	Yes	Criteria range with matching headers and conditions below

Using the DSTDEV Function

DSTDEV enables statistical analysis on filtered portions of your database without restructuring data. Use it to measure dispersion in subsets like regional sales performance, employee productivity metrics, or quality control samples that meet specific business criteria.

Common DSTDEV Examples

Analyze Tree Yield Variability

=DSTDEV(A5:E11, "Yield", A1:A3)

Calculates sample standard deviation of yields for Apple and Pear trees only (result: 2.966)

Regional Sales Analysis

=DSTDEV(A1:F50, "Sales", H1:H3)

Measures sales variability for "North" region employees with tenure > 2 years

Quality Control Check

=DSTDEV(B1:G100, 4, J1:J2)

Standard deviation of defect rates for products passing inspection threshold

Frequently Asked Questions

DSTDEV uses sample standard deviation (divides by n-1) for population estimates. DSTDEVP uses population standard deviation (divides by n) for complete datasets.

Yes, use column position numbers without quotes: 1 for first column, 2 for second, etc.

Yes, criteria headers must exactly match database column labels.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: Field name doesn't exist in database or criteria headers don't match

Solution: Verify field name spelling and criteria header alignment

#REF! error

Cause: Invalid database or criteria range references

Solution: Check range references include headers

Unexpected results

Cause: Criteria range placed below database or overlapping

Solution: Move criteria range away from database

Notes

First row of database MUST contain column headers
Criteria range requires matching header + condition row
Treats matching records as SAMPLE data (uses n-1 divisor)
Blank criteria row performs calculation on entire column
Maximum flexibility - criteria range can be anywhere except overlapping database

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007+, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 365

Not available in: Excel 2003 and earlier

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 365