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STDEVA Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The Excel STDEVA function calculates the standard deviation for a sample, uniquely including text and logical values in the analysis. TRUE counts as 1, FALSE and text count as 0, providing comprehensive variability measurement across mixed data types.

Syntax

STDEVA(value1, [value2], ...)

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
value1	`Any`	Yes	First value, range, or array. Text=0, TRUE=1, FALSE=0, numbers unchanged
[value2], ...	`Any`	No	Up to 254 additional arguments or single array/reference covering all values

Using the STDEVA Function

STDEVA excels when analyzing datasets containing mixed data types. Use it to measure variability when you want text representations and logical values included in your standard deviation calculation. Perfect for quality control, performance analysis, and survey data evaluation.

Common STDEVA Examples

Basic Sample Analysis

=STDEVA(B2:B11)

Calculates standard deviation for tool strength data (27.46) - all numeric values.

Mixed Data Types

=STDEVA(A1:A10)

Analyzes sales data with text 'N/A', TRUE flags, and numbers. Text=0, TRUE=1.

Quality Control

=STDEVA(C2:C20, "PASS")

Includes PASS text (counts as 0) in manufacturing quality deviation.

Frequently Asked Questions

STDEVA includes text (as 0) and logical values (TRUE=1, FALSE=0), while STDEV ignores them.

Use STDEVA for samples (n-1), STDEVPA for entire populations (n).

Empty cells in ranges are ignored completely.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! error

Cause: Arguments contain error values or unconvertible text

Solution: Remove error values or use IFERROR wrapper

#DIV/0! error

Cause: Only one numeric value provided

Solution: Need at least two values for meaningful standard deviation

Notes

TRUE evaluates as 1, FALSE and text as 0
Uses Bessel's correction (n-1) for sample data
Maximum 255 arguments total
Empty cells and logical values increase sample size (n)
For population data use STDEVPA instead

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+