The Excel VAR.P function calculates the variance of an entire population — the average squared deviation from the mean, dividing by n rather than n−1.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number1 | Required | The first value or range representing the whole population. |
number2, ... | Optional | Up to 254 additional values or ranges. |
How to use it
Use VAR.P when your data covers the complete population — every member, not a sample. It divides the sum of squared deviations by n.
If your numbers are only a sample drawn from a larger population, use VAR.S instead — it divides by n−1 to correct for the smaller spread a sample tends to show. The square root of VAR.P is STDEV.P.
VAR.P vs VAR.S: population (VAR.P) divides by n; sample (VAR.S) divides by n−1. VAR.P is always the smaller of the two for the same data. VAR.P replaces the legacy VARP.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a VAR.P example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
When should I use VAR.P instead of VAR.S?
Why does VAR.P divide by n and VAR.S by n minus 1?
n−1 (Bessel's correction) compensates for the fact that a sample tends to under-represent the true spread. A full population needs no such correction, so VAR.P uses n.Does VAR.P ignore text and logical values?
How is VAR.P different from the old VARP?
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