Variance calculator
Calculate population variance or corrected sample variance. Compare the mean and standard deviation alongside the result.
Enter up to 10,000 values and choose population or sample. Negative numbers and decimal points or commas are supported.
Result
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How to use this calculator
Enter up to 10,000 values and choose population or sample. Negative numbers and decimal points or commas are supported.
Formula and method
Variance divides the sum of squared deviations from the mean by n for a population or n−1 for a sample.
Worked example
For 1; 2; 3, the mean is 2 and squared deviations sum to 2. Population variance is 2/3; sample variance is 1.
Limits and interpretation
Variance is measured in squared units. A single observation has population variance 0; sample variance requires at least two observations.
Frequently asked questions
How should I interpret the result?
For 1; 2; 3, the mean is 2 and squared deviations sum to 2. Population variance is 2/3; sample variance is 1.
What inputs and assumptions are required?
Variance is measured in squared units. A single observation has population variance 0; sample variance requires at least two observations.