STDEVA Function

All versions Statistical

The Excel STDEVA function estimates the standard deviation of a sample, but unlike STDEV.S it includes text and logical values — counting TRUE as 1, FALSE and text as 0.

Quick answer:

=STDEVA({2,4,4,4,5,5,7,9}) sample standard deviation =~ 2.138

Syntax

=STDEVA(value1, [value2], ...)

Argument		Description
`value1`	Required	The first value, array, or range. Logical and text values are included in the calculation.
`value2, ...`	Optional	Up to 254 additional values, arrays, or ranges.

How to use it

STDEVA works like STDEV.S (sample standard deviation, dividing by n−1) but differs in what it counts. It evaluates logical and text values instead of skipping them:

=STDEVA({2,4,4,4,5,5,7,9}) // pure numbers =~ 2.138

=STDEVA({1,2,3,TRUE}) // TRUE counts as 1

The counting rules are: TRUE = 1, FALSE = 0, and text (including empty text) = 0. Each of these adds to the count of data points, which changes the result. Truly empty cells are still ignored.

Watch the zeros: because text and FALSE count as 0, a range with labels mixed in can pull the standard deviation in unexpected directions. Use STDEV.S if you want text and logicals skipped entirely.

Try it: interactive demo

Live demo

Pick a STDEVA example to see the formula and its result.

example

Result:

Practice workbook

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Frequently asked questions

How is STDEVA different from STDEV.S?

Both compute the sample standard deviation (dividing by n−1), but STDEVA includes logical and text values in the count — TRUE as 1, FALSE and text as 0 — whereas STDEV.S ignores them.

How does STDEVA treat TRUE, FALSE, and text?

TRUE counts as 1, FALSE counts as 0, and any text value (including "") counts as 0. Each counts as a data point. Empty cells are still ignored.

When would I use STDEVA?

Use it when a range mixes numbers with logical results or text placeholders that you genuinely want treated as 0 or 1 — for example a column of pass/fail flags stored as TRUE/FALSE.

Does STDEVA divide by n or n-1?

By n−1, like STDEV.S — it estimates a sample's standard deviation. For the population equivalent that also counts text and logicals, use STDEVPA.

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Related functions: STDEV.S · STDEVPA · VARA · AVERAGEA · STDEV.P