Excel STDEV.S function
Calculates the standard deviation of a sample: how far the data sits from its average. In Spanish Excel it is called DESVEST.M.
Syntax
English Excel
=STDEV.S(number1, [number2], …)
Spanish Excel (Mexico)
=DESVEST.M(número1, [número2], …)
Spanish Excel (Spain, Latin America)
=DESVEST.M(número1; [número2]; …)
| Argument | What it is |
|---|---|
| number1 | The first number or range. |
| number2optional | More numbers or ranges. |
Example
Two lines can have the same average and be very different. STDEV.S measures how far the data sits from the average: the lower it is, the more consistent. Older versions call it STDEV.
=STDEV.S(B2:B8)
Common mistake
Use STDEV.S for a sample and STDEV.P when you have the whole population. STDEV is the old name.
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Practice STDEV.S
Type the formula in the sheet and check it instantly. Spanish or English function names both work. See all lessons
Spread with STDEV.S
Two lines can have the same average and be very different. STDEV.S measures how far the data sits from the average: the lower it is, the more consistent. Older versions call it STDEV.
In B9, calculate line A’s average weight. It will be copied to C9.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Day | Line A (g) | Line B (g) | |
| 2 | 1 | 500 | 480 | |
| 3 | 2 | 502 | 520 | |
| 4 | 3 | 498 | 495 | |
| 5 | 4 | 501 | 510 | |
| 6 | 5 | 499 | 490 | |
| 7 | 6 | 500 | 505 | |
| 8 | 7 | 500 | 500 | |
| 9 | Average | |||
| 10 | Std. deviation | |||
| 11 |
Tip: while typing, click a cell or drag across several to insert their reference. F4 anchors the reference with $.
Frequently asked questions
- What is STDEV.S called in Spanish?
- In Spanish Excel it is DESVEST.M. The formula =STDEV.S(B2:B8) is written =DESVEST.M(B2:B8) (or with commas in Mexico).
- Why does STDEV.S use semicolons in some Excel versions?
- It depends on regional settings. Where the comma is the decimal mark (Spain, much of South America), Excel separates arguments with semicolons. English Excel and Mexican Spanish Excel use commas.
- What is the most common STDEV.S mistake?
- Use STDEV.S for a sample and STDEV.P when you have the whole population. STDEV is the old name.