How to Use DEVSQ in Excel

DEVSQ in Excel

DEVSQ is a statistical function in Excel that calculates the sum of the squared deviations from the mean for a given set of data. In other words, it measures the variance of the data points. The DEVSQ function can be used in various statistical analyses, such as calculating standard deviation or understanding the dispersion of data points.

Here's how to use the DEVSQ function in Excel:

1. Open Microsoft Excel and enter your data in a single column or row. You can arrange the data either vertically or horizontally.
2. Click on an empty cell where you want to display the result of the DEVSQ function.
3. In the selected cell, type the formula =DEVSQ(range) where "range" is the range of cells containing your data points. Make sure to replace "range" with the actual cell range of your data.
4. Press Enter to calculate the sum of the squared deviations from the mean.
5. The result will be displayed in the selected cell.

Example

Let's say we have the following data points in cells A1 to A5:

10
20
30
40
50

To calculate the sum of the squared deviations from the mean, follow these steps:

1. Click on an empty cell (e.g., A6).
2. In cell A6, type the formula =DEVSQ(A1:A5).
3. Press Enter.
4. The result, 500, will be displayed in cell A6.

This result indicates that the sum of the squared deviations from the mean for the given data points is 500.