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])
Formula
s² = Σ(x − x̄)² ÷ (n − 1)σ² = Σ(x − μ)² ÷ nWorked example
Inputs — Data: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42.
Results — Sample variance = 182; Population variance = 151.6667; Sum of squares = 910.
Frequently asked questions
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).