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DVAR Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The DVAR function estimates the variance for a subset of database records matching specified criteria, treating the matching data as a sample from a larger population. Perfect for analyzing variability in filtered datasets.

Syntax

DVAR(database, field, criteria)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
database	`Range`	Yes	Database range including column headers
field	`String/Number`	Yes	Field identifier - column label or position number
criteria	`Range`	Yes	Criteria range defining which records to include

Using the DVAR Function

DVAR enables statistical analysis on filtered portions of your data table. Use it when you need to calculate sample variance for records meeting specific conditions, such as analyzing yield variability for certain tree types or sales performance for specific regions.

Common DVAR Examples

Sample Variance for Apple/Pear Trees

=DVAR(A4:E10, "Yield", A1:A3)

Calculates sample variance of yields for apple and pear trees taller than 10 units. Returns 8.8.

Sales Variance by Region

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

Sample variance of sales figures for "North" region records.

Employee Age Variance

=DVAR(B1:F25, 3, H1:H3)

Uses column number 3 (Age) for employees with Salary >50000.

Frequently Asked Questions

DVAR treats matching records as a sample (divides by n-1). DVARP treats them as entire population (divides by n).

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

Yes, criteria headers must exactly match database column headers.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: Field name doesn't exist or criteria range invalid

Solution: Verify field name matches header exactly and criteria includes headers

Incorrect variance result

Cause: Using DVARP instead of DVAR for sample data

Solution: Use DVAR for samples, DVARP for complete populations

#NUM! error

Cause: Insufficient matching records for variance calculation

Solution: Ensure criteria returns at least 2 matching records

Notes

First database row must contain column headers
Criteria range cannot overlap database
Use blank row in criteria for entire column operations
Excel Web Apps don't support named ranges for criteria
Maximum flexibility with both field names and numbers

Compatibility

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

Not available in:

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