Sample Variance Calculator
Calculate the sample variance and standard deviation of a set of numbers. Useful for statistics, data analysis, and quality control.
Published by:
isCalculator Editorial Team
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How to use this tool?
How to Use the Sample Variance Calculator
- Enter your data: Type or paste numbers into the text area, separated by commas or spaces (e.g.,
10, 12, 23, 23, 16). - Click "Calculate" (or press Enter on your keyboard).
- View results: The sample variance (s²) and sample standard deviation (s) appear in green. Below, the step-by-step calculation shows the mean, sum of squared differences, and the formula used.
- Clear: Click "Clear" to reset and start over.
Important notes:
- You need at least 2 numbers to compute sample variance.
- The calculator uses the sample formula (divides by n − 1), not the population formula.
- Numbers can be integers or decimals; invalid entries trigger an error message.
Previous Results
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sample variance measures the spread of a set of numbers from their mean. It is calculated as the average of the squared differences from the mean, using n-1 in the denominator (Bessel's correction).
Dividing by n-1 (Bessel's correction) provides an unbiased estimate of the population variance when using a sample. It corrects the bias in the estimation of the population variance.
Variance is the average squared deviation from the mean, while standard deviation is the square root of variance. Standard deviation is in the same units as the data, making it easier to interpret.
