?How can I calculate the covariance in Google Sheets?

Calculates the covariance of a dataset.

Sample Usage

COVAR(A2:A100,B2:B100)

Syntax

COVAR(data_y, data_x)

• data_y – The range representing the array or matrix of dependent data.

• data_x – The range representing the array or matrix of independent data.

Notes

• Any text encountered in the value arguments will be ignored.

• Positive covariance indicates that the independent data and dependent data tend to change together in the same direction; negative indicates that they tend to change together in the opposite direction (i.e. increase in one leads to decrease in the other). The magnitude of covariance is difficult to interpret – use CORREL or PEARSON, the normalized version of COVAR, to gauge strength of linear correlation.

See Also

STEYX: Calculates the standard error of the predicted y-value for each x in the regression of a dataset.

SLOPE: Calculates the slope of the line resulting from linear regression of a dataset.

RSQ: Calculates the square of r, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient of a dataset.

INTERCEPT: Calculates the y-value at which the line resulting from linear regression of a dataset will intersect the y-axis (x=0).

FORECAST: Calculates the expected y-value for a specified x based on a linear regression of a dataset.

COVAR: Calculates the covariance of a dataset.

CORREL: Calculates r, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient of a dataset.

Examples

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