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The STDEV.S function in Google Sheets is used to calculate the standard deviation of a set of numerical data. It is a statistical measure that indicates the amount of variation or dispersion of a set of values from the average. This function is primarily used to assess the consistency and spread of data points and to identify any outliers within a dataset. It is commonly used in financial analysis, scientific research, and other fields where data analysis and interpretation are crucial. The main purpose of the STDEV.S function in Google Sheets is to provide a reliable and efficient way to measure and analyze the variability of data, allowing users to make informed decisions and draw meaningful insights from their data.
Google Sheets STDEV.S Function
STDEV.S Function
The STDEV.S function is a premade function in Google Sheets, which calculates the Standard Deviation (Stdev) for a sample of a population.
It is typed =STDEV.S and gets a list of cells:
=STDEV.S(value1, [value2, …])You can select cells one by one, but also ranges, or even multiple ranges.
The STDEV.S function ignores cells that do not contain numbers.
Note: Standard deviation (σ) measures how far a ‘typical’ observation is from the average of the data (μ). You can read more about standard deviation in the Statistics – Standard Deviation Chapter.
Tip: There is another function called =STDEV.P that can be used if you have the data for the entire population.
Let’s have a look at an example!
STDEV.S Function Example
Find the standard deviation of the total stats for the Pokemon in this sample:

The STDEV.S function, step by step:
- Select the cell
E3 - Type
=STDEV.S - Click the STDEV.S command

- Specify the range
B2:B21for the Total stats for the sample Pokemon - Hit enter

Now, the function returns the standard deviation of all the Total stat values:

The STDEV.S function has successfully returned the Standard Deviation for the sample as 113,2319464.
Cite this article
stats writer (2024). What is the purpose of the STDEV.S function in Google Sheets?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Retrieved from https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-stdev-s-function-in-google-sheets/
stats writer. "What is the purpose of the STDEV.S function in Google Sheets?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 30 Jun. 2024, https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-stdev-s-function-in-google-sheets/.
stats writer. "What is the purpose of the STDEV.S function in Google Sheets?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 2024. https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-stdev-s-function-in-google-sheets/.
stats writer (2024) 'What is the purpose of the STDEV.S function in Google Sheets?', PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Available at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-stdev-s-function-in-google-sheets/.
[1] stats writer, "What is the purpose of the STDEV.S function in Google Sheets?," PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, June, 2024.
stats writer. What is the purpose of the STDEV.S function in Google Sheets?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. 2024;vol(issue):pages.
