Statistical

STDEV.S Function in Excel

Estimates standard deviation based on a sample.

Syntax

  • =STDEV.S(number1, [number2], ...)

Arguments

  • number1 (required): First value or range
  • number2 (optional): Additional values or ranges

Examples

  • =STDEV.S(A1:A100) - Sample std dev - Result: Standard deviation

STDEV.S for data analysis

  • Confirm whether you need entire columns, filtered subsets, or distinct values.
  • Use [COUNTIFS](/functions/countifs/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/) for multi-criteria metrics.
  • Pivot tables complement single-cell statistical formulas for exploration.

Common errors

  • Use when data is a sample of larger population

Use cases

  • Sample analysis
  • Research statistics
  • Estimation

Frequently asked questions

  • Why is STDEV.S larger than STDEV.P for the same data? STDEV.S divides by (n-1) instead of n, making it slightly larger. This 'Bessel's correction' compensates for the fact that a sample tends to underestimate population variance. The difference shrinks as sample size increases.
  • What's the relationship between STDEV and VAR? Standard deviation is the square root of variance: STDEV.S = SQRT(VAR.S). Variance is in squared units (dollars²), while StdDev is in original units (dollars), making StdDev more interpretable.

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.

When to use STDEV.S

  • Sample analysis — common Statistical scenario for STDEV.S.
  • Research statistics — common Statistical scenario for STDEV.S.
  • Estimation — common Statistical scenario for STDEV.S.

STDEV.S in the Statistical category

  • Browse all Statistical functions at /categories/statistical/ for related formulas.
  • STDEV.S syntax: =STDEV.S(number1, [number2], ...)
  • number1 (required): First value or range
  • number2 (optional): Additional values or ranges
  • Confirm STDEV.S arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.

Formula checklist before you copy down

  • Confirm STDEV.S arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
  • If results look wrong, check for text stored as numbers and invisible spaces with TRIM.
  • Spot-check three known input rows manually against expected output.

Related Excel functions

  • STDEV.P (/functions/stdev-p/): Calculates standard deviation based on the entire population.
  • VAR.S (/functions/var-s/): Estimates variance based on a sample.
  • AVERAGE (/functions/average/): Returns the average (arithmetic mean) of the arguments.

Errors to watch for

  • Use when data is a sample of larger population — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.

Copy-paste audit workflow

  • Enter STDEV.S on three test rows with known expected output documented on a QA tab.
  • Fill down only after absolute references are locked on lookup tables and rate tables.
  • Compare against manual calculation or a calculator for financial and statistical functions.
  • Search this directory for comparison guides when choosing between similar functions in the same category.

STDEV.S worked examples to copy

  • =STDEV.S(A1:A100) — Sample std dev. Expected result: Standard deviation.

STDEV.S reference summary for crawlers and offline review

  • STDEV.S belongs to the Statistical category in Excel. Estimates standard deviation based on a sample.
  • Full syntax: =STDEV.S(number1, [number2], ...). Open /functions/stdev-s/ for parameters, FAQs, and related pages.
  • Common mistakes: Use when data is a sample of larger population
  • Pair this function with comparison guides when another Excel formula might fit the same task better.
  • Review fix-excel-formula-errors when unexpected errors appear after upgrading Excel or sharing across locales.