# Variance Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/statistics/variance/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The variance calculator gives the sample and population variance of a data set, the average squared distance of values from the mean, plus the sum of squares.

## Inputs

- Data

## Results

- Sample variance
- Population variance
- Sum of squares

## Formula

```
s² = Σ(x − x̄)² ÷ (n − 1)
σ² = Σ(x − μ)² ÷ n
```

## Explanation

Variance underlies many statistical methods, including ANOVA and regression.

### How to use the Variance Calculator

- **Data**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Square each deviation from the mean, add them up and divide by n − 1 or n.

### What each result means

- **Sample variance** = variance([Data])
- **Population variance** = pvariance([Data])
- **Sum of squares** = sumsq([Data])

## Worked example

Inputs — Data: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42.

Results — **Sample variance = 182**; Population variance = 151.6667; Sum of squares = 910.

## FAQ

**Why is variance in squared units?**
Because deviations are squared; standard deviation brings it back to the original units.

**Can variance be negative?**
No.

**What formula does the Variance Calculator use?**
s² = Σ(x − x̄)² ÷ (n − 1).


## Sources

- [NIST/SEMATECH e-Handbook of Statistical Methods](https://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/)