To calculate standard deviation in Excel, you use built-in functions depending on whether your data represents a sample or an entire population:

• For population standard deviation , use the function STDEV.P(range). For example, if your data is in cells B2 to B31, enter:

  =STDEV.P(B2:B31)
  

This calculates the standard deviation assuming the data is the entire population

• For sample standard deviation , use the function STDEV.S(range). For example:

  =STDEV.S(B2:B31)
  

This calculates the standard deviation assuming the data is a sample from a larger population and applies Bessel's correction (dividing by n-1)

Steps to calculate standard deviation in Excel:

1. Enter your data into a column or row in Excel (e.g., B2:B31).
2. Select an empty cell where you want the result.
3. Type the formula =STDEV.P(range) for population or =STDEV.S(range) for sample.
4. Press Enter, and Excel will display the standard deviation.

Additional notes:

• STDEV and STDEVP are older versions of STDEV.S and STDEV.P respectively, still available for compatibility

• Other related functions like STDEVA and STDEVPA include logical and text values in calculations, but for numeric data, STDEV.S and STDEV.P are standard

• You can highlight the range with your mouse or type the cell range manually inside the parentheses.

This method quickly gives you the standard deviation to understand the variability or dispersion of your dataset in Excel