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STDEV.S Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The STDEV.S function estimates the standard deviation of a sample dataset, measuring how much individual data points vary from the mean. Perfect for statistical analysis when working with representative samples rather than complete populations.

Syntax

STDEV.S(number1,[number2],...)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
number1	`Number`	Yes	Required first number argument or array reference containing sample population data
number2	`Number`	No	Optional additional number arguments 2 through 254 or array references

Using the STDEV.S Function

STDEV.S is ideal for calculating variability in sample data across finance, quality control, research, and manufacturing. Use it to understand data dispersion, assess consistency, and support decision-making based on statistical measures.

Common STDEV.S Examples

Basic Sample Standard Deviation

=STDEV.S(A2:A11)

Calculates standard deviation for strength measurements in cells A2 through A11 (result: 27.46) for quality control analysis.

Multiple Value Arguments

=STDEV.S(85,92,78,95,88)

Directly calculates standard deviation from individual test scores.

Comparing Product Batches

=STDEV.S(B2:B10,C2:C10)

Analyzes variability across two production batches simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

STDEV.S uses n-1 (sample data) while STDEV.P uses n (entire population). Use STDEV.S for representative samples.

No, STDEV.S ignores text, logical values, and empty cells within ranges but counts them if typed directly as arguments.

Use STDEVA when you need to include logical values and text representations of numbers in range calculations.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: Arguments contain text that can't convert to numbers

Solution: Ensure all arguments contain valid numeric data or use STDEVA function

#DIV/0! error

Cause: Only one numeric value provided

Solution: Provide at least two numbers for standard deviation calculation

Notes

Uses n-1 method for unbiased sample estimation
Counts logical/text values only when typed directly into arguments
Perfect for quality control, research sampling, financial volatility analysis
Available since Excel 2007

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+