The Excel VARA function estimates the variance of a sample but, unlike VAR.S, includes text and logical values — TRUE counts as 1, FALSE and text as 0.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
value1 | Required | The first value or range in the sample. |
value2, ... | Optional | Up to 254 additional values or ranges. Logical and text values are counted (see notes). |
How to use it
VARA computes the sample variance (dividing by n−1) just like VAR.S, but it does not skip non-numeric entries: it evaluates them as numbers.
The conversion rules are: TRUE → 1, FALSE → 0, and any text (including text that looks like a number) → 0. Empty cells are still ignored. This makes VARA the right choice when blanks-as-zero or logical flags belong in your spread calculation.
Watch the text-as-zero rule. Because VARA turns every text cell into 0, a column with stray labels can pull the variance toward a larger value. If you only want numeric cells counted, use VAR.S instead.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a VARA example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How does VARA treat TRUE, FALSE, and text?
TRUE becomes 1, FALSE becomes 0, and any text value (even numeric-looking text) becomes 0. Empty cells are ignored entirely.How is VARA different from VAR.S?
n−1, but VAR.S ignores text and logical values in a range while VARA includes them as numbers. On purely numeric data they return the same result.Does VARA divide by n or n minus 1?
n−1 — it is the sample variance. For the population equivalent that also includes text and logicals, use VARPA.When is VARA the right choice?
Master functions like this in one day
This page covers one function. Our Excel Formulas and Functions class covers the 30 that matter most — live, hands-on, taught by professionals in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City, Denver, or online.
See the Formulas & Functions Class