Variance Calculator
Sample and population variance.
Reviewed by James Whitfield · How we check our maths
Your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Sample variance
- 4.666667
- Population variance
- 4
- Sample standard deviation
- 2.160247
- Mean
- 6
- Count
- 7
- Coefficient of variation
- 36%
Quick answer
Variance is the average squared deviation from the mean; sample variance divides by n−1 to stay unbiased.
The formula
s² = Σ(x − x̄)² / (n − 1)
Worked example
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with.
Inputs
- Data values4, 8, 6, 5, 3, 9, 7
Result
- Sample variance4.666667
- Population variance4
- Sample standard deviation2.160247
- Mean6
- Count7
- Coefficient of variation36%
How to use the Variance Calculator
- 1Paste your values separated by commas.
- 2Use sample variance for a subset, population for the whole group.
- 3Read the standard deviation too.
Frequently asked questions
Why divide by n−1?
It corrects the downward bias when estimating population variance from a sample.
What are the units?
Squared units — take the square root for standard deviation in original units.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error