Free online standard deviation calculator
Standard deviation measures how spread out values are around the mean. This calculator gives population σ and sample s, plus variance, mean, and count.
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How to use
- Type or paste your numbers into the text area — commas, spaces, semicolons, and new lines all work as separators.
- Results update as you type.
- Use “Share with my numbers” to share the data set via URL.
Formulas
Population standard deviation:
σ = √( Σ(xᵢ − μ)² / n )
Sample standard deviation:
s = √( Σ(xᵢ − x̄)² / (n − 1) )
Where:
- μ (or x̄) = mean of all values
- n = count of values
- Σ(xᵢ − μ)² = sum of squared deviations from the mean
Worked example
Data: 2, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 7, 9 (n = 8)
- Mean = 40 / 8 = 5
- Squared deviations: (2−5)²=9, (4−5)²=1 × 3, (5−5)²=0 × 2, (7−5)²=4, (9−5)²=16
- Sum of squared deviations = 9 + 3 + 0 + 4 + 16 = 32
- Population variance σ² = 32 / 8 = 4 → σ = 2
- Sample variance s² = 32 / 7 ≈ 4.5714 → s ≈ 2.1381
Notes
- Sample standard deviation requires at least 2 values; with only 1 value the result is 0.
- Results are rounded to six decimal places.
- Share URLs encode your data in the
dquery parameter.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between population and sample standard deviation?
When should I use sample vs. population standard deviation?
What is variance?
Why does the sample standard deviation divide by n − 1?
What does a high standard deviation mean?
How do I enter my numbers?
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