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=VAR()

Estimates variance based on a sample. VAR assumes that its arguments are a sample of the population. If your data represents the entire population, then compute the variance by using VARP. Arguments can either be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers. This function has been replaced with one or more new functions. Although this function is still available for backward compatibility, this function may not be available in future versions of Excel.

Applies To: Excel for Microsoft 365Excel for Microsoft 365 for MacExcel 2024Excel 2024 for MacExcel 2021Excel 2021 for MacExcel 2019Excel 2016
=VAR(number1,[number2],...)
Hover argument names in the table for details.
Output typeNumber
Popularity15 / 100
VolatileNo
Dynamic ArrayNo
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◧ Arguments

ArgumentTypeRequiredDescription
number1 Number Required The first number argument corresponding to a sample of a population.
number2 Number Optional , ... Optional. Number arguments 2 to 255 corresponding to a sample of a population.

▣ Examples

▦ Data
CellValue
A2 Strength
A3 1345
A4 1301
A5 1368
A6 1322
A7 1310
A8 1370
A9 1318
A10 1350
A11 1303
A12 1299
A13 Strength
A14 1345
A15 1301
A16 1368
A17 1322
A18 1310
A19 1370
A20 1318
A21 1350
A22 1303
A23 1299
Variance for the breaking strength of the tools tested. =VAR(A2:A11)
Result: 754.2667

§ Remarks

  • VAR assumes that its arguments are a sample of the population. If your data represents the entire population, then compute the variance by using VARP.
  • Arguments can either be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
  • Logical values, and text representations of numbers that you type directly into the list of arguments are counted.
  • If an argument is an array or reference, only numbers in that array or reference are counted. Empty cells, logical values, text, or error values in the array or reference are ignored.
  • Arguments that are error values or text that cannot be translated into numbers cause errors.
  • If you want to include logical values and text representations of numbers in a reference as part of the calculation, use the VARA function.
  • VAR uses the following formula: where x is the sample mean AVERAGE(number1,number2,…) and n is the sample size.

✦ Tips

  • This function has been replaced with one or more new functions that may provide improved accuracy and whose names better reflect their usage. Although this function is still available for backward compatibility, you should consider using the new functions from now on, because this function may not be available in future versions of Excel.
  • VAR assumes that its arguments are a sample of the population. If your data represents the entire population, then compute the variance by using VARP.
  • Arguments can either be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
  • Logical values, and text representations of numbers that you type directly into the list of arguments are counted.
  • If an argument is an array or reference, only numbers in that array or reference are counted. Empty cells, logical values, text, or error values in the array or reference are ignored.
  • Arguments that are error values or text that cannot be translated into numbers cause errors.
  • If you want to include logical values and text representations of numbers in a reference as part of the calculation, use the VARA function.
  • VAR uses the following formula: where x is the sample mean AVERAGE(number1,number2,…) and n is the sample size.

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