The VAR.P function can accept up to 254 arguments.

Variation functions in Excel

The table below summarizes the variation functions available in Excel.

STDEVP has been replaced with a newer function called STDEV.P, which has the same behavior.

Excel STDEVP function

STDEV Function

The Excel STDEV function returns the standard deviation for data that represents a sample.

To calculate the standard deviation for an entire population, use STDEVP or STDEV.P.

STDEV.S Function

The Excel STDEV.S function calculates the standard deviation for a sample set of data.

Excel STDEV function

STDEV.S replaces the older STDEV function, with the same behavior.

VAR Function

The Excel VAR function estimates the variance of a sample of data.

If data represents the entire population, use the VARP function or the newer VAR.P function.

Excel STDEV.S function

VAR ignores text values and logicals in references.

VARP Function

The Excel VARP function calculates the variance of an entire population of data.

If data represents a sample, use the VAR function or the newer VAR.S function.

Excel VAR function

VARP ignores text values and logicals in references.

Excel VARP function