Using the Excel VARPA Function
Summary
The Excel VARPA function estimates the variance based on the entire population and will evaluate logical and text values.To estimate the variance for a sample of the population, including logical and text values, use the VARA function.
Syntax
=VARPA (value1, [value2], ...)Syntax Breakdown
Value 1Required. The first value that corresponds to a population.
Value 2
Value 2 and subsequent value arguments are optional. The function can accept up to 255 arguments. An array or reference to an array can also be used.
Usage Notes
VARPA calculate the variance from data that is representative of an entire population. Unlike the VARP function, VARPA will evaluate logical and text values that are included in an array or reference.Variance is used to provide a general idea of how far a set of numbers are spread out from the average value. More formally, it is the expectation of the squared deviation of a random variable from its mean.
Logical values and text representations of numbers that are hard-coded into an argument are evaluated. If the argument or reference contains text, it will be evaluated as 0 (zero). TRUE evaluates as 1 and FALSE evaluates as 0 (zero). Empty cells are ignored.
To ignore logical and text values, use the VARP or VAR.P functions.
Excel Variance Functions
| Function | Data Set | Text & Logical Values |
|---|---|---|
| VAR | Sample | Ignored |
| VARP | Population | Ignored |
| VAR.S | Sample | Ignored |
| VAR.P | Population | Ignored |
| VARA | Sample | Evaluated |
| VARPA | Population | Evaluated |