About This Calculator
The Variance Calculator determines how far a set of numbers are spread out from their mean. It supports both sample and population variance, and also shows the standard deviation and mean of the dataset.
How It Works
- Select whether your data is a sample or a population.
- Enter numbers separated by commas, spaces, or line breaks.
- Click "Calculate" to get the variance, standard deviation, mean, and full calculation steps.
Sample Variance=Σ(x − x̄)²n − 1
Population Variance=Σ(x − μ)²n
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between sample and population variance?
Sample variance divides by (n − 1) and is used when the data represents a subset of a larger group. Population variance divides by n and is used when the data represents the entire group.
What does standard deviation mean?
Standard deviation is the square root of variance and shows the average distance from the mean.
Can I input negative numbers or decimals?
Yes, both negative and decimal numbers are supported.
How many values do I need to enter?
Sample mode requires at least two valid numbers. Population mode allows one or more.