A guide to finding Standard Deviation in Google Sheets

Understanding Standard Deviation

When managing your business performance, it's crucial to have a method to identify unusual patterns, such as spikes in sales or a sudden increase in complaints. One way to monitor these anomalies is by calculating the standard deviation.

What is Standard Deviation?

Standard deviation is a statistical measurement that indicates how much individual data points differ from the average (mean) of a dataset. It is a fundamental yet vital measure for assessing the variability within a dataset.

Using the STDEV Function in Google Sheets

In Google Sheets, the STDEV function helps you calculate the standard deviation of a dataset efficiently.

Syntax

=STDEV(range)

Explanation:

• Range: This refers to the set of data points for which you want to determine the standard deviation.

Steps to Calculate Standard Deviation Using the STDEV Function

Step 1: Enter the Function

Begin by typing =STDEV( into a cell.

Step 2: Select the Data Range

Highlight or input the range of cells containing the data.

Tip: For smaller datasets visible on your screen, you can drag to select the range. For larger datasets, it may be easier to type the cell references directly into the function. You can also use predefined named ranges for convenience.

Step 3: Press Enter

Press the Enter key, and Google Sheets will calculate the standard deviation for the specified range.

Now, you've successfully calculated the standard deviation for your dataset! This simple process can help you monitor data variability and flag unusual trends within your data.