Quick Navigation

DSTDEVP Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The DSTDEVP function calculates the population standard deviation for numbers in a specified field of a database that match your defined criteria. Unlike sample standard deviation functions, DSTDEVP treats your filtered database records as the complete population for accurate statistical analysis.

Syntax

DSTDEVP(database, field, criteria)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
database	`Range`	Yes	Range of cells making up the database with headers in first row
field	`Text/Number`	Yes	Field name in double quotes or column position number
criteria	`Range`	Yes	Criteria range with matching column headers and conditions

Using the DSTDEVP Function

DSTDEVP is perfect for statistical analysis of complete populations within database tables. Use it when your filtered data represents the entire population you want to analyze, providing the mathematically correct standard deviation by dividing by N rather than N-1.

Common DSTDEVP Examples

Tree Yield Population Standard Deviation

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

Calculates population standard deviation of yields for Apple and Pear trees. Returns 2.6532998 using the complete population formula.

Sales Performance Analysis

=DSTDEVP(A1:D20,"Sales",F1:F2)

Finds population standard deviation of sales for "North Region" salespeople.

Employee Productivity Stats

=DSTDEVP(B1:F25,3,G1:G3)

Uses column number 3 (Productivity) with criteria matching Department="Sales".

Frequently Asked Questions

DSTDEVP uses population standard deviation (÷N), DSTDEV uses sample standard deviation (÷N-1). Use DSTDEVP for complete populations.

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

Ensure criteria range has matching column headers and conditions directly below. Headers must exactly match database headers.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: Field name doesn't match any database column header

Solution: Check spelling of field name and use exact header match with quotes

Incorrect results

Cause: Criteria range overlaps database or placed below list

Solution: Place criteria range away from database, never below or overlapping

#REF! or wrong values

Cause: Criteria headers don't exactly match database headers

Solution: Copy-paste headers from database to criteria for exact match

Notes

Treats filtered database as complete population (divides by N)
Criteria range can be anywhere except overlapping or below database
Use blank row in criteria for entire column operations
First row of database MUST contain column labels
Supports wildcard criteria like "North*" for partial matches

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in: Excel 2003 and earlier

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+