Result
Result reflects the current submitted inputs.
- Risk B
- Reviewed 2026-05-26
- 2 sources
Breakdown
- Mode
- sample
- Squared deviation sum
- 32
- Divisor
- 7
- Sample mode uses Bessel's correction (n - 1) to estimate population variance from a sample.
- Population mode divides by n and treats the entered list as the full population.
- All values have equal weight; weighted or grouped-frequency variance is out of scope.
- Intermediate values are not rounded; final numeric outputs are rounded for stable display.
Accuracy notes
- Risk level
- B
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-26
- Sources
- 2
- Primary result
- Variance
Formula logic is kept in a pure calculator module with fixtures, source notes, and page-visible assumptions.
What the result means
Use Variance as the headline answer for variance. Average squared deviation using the selected sample or population divisor. Read the center or spread metric first, then compare count, minimum, maximum, and sample/population notes. Use mean, count, and standard deviation to explain why variance moved when an input changed. Review the raw values and decide whether outliers or missing data should be handled before reporting the result.
Use the result this way
- Start with Variance, then use supporting outputs only to explain the primary answer.
- Verify values and data type before copying the result.
- Choose the mode or method first because it can change which formula is applied and check separators in pasted text so every value is parsed as intended.
- Review the raw values and decide whether outliers or missing data should be handled before reporting the result.
User job
How to use this calculator
Use Variance Calculator when you need variance, then use mean and count to check the context for data review, classwork, quality checks, and quick descriptive summaries.
Best for
- Summarizing a list of values
- Checking spread, center, or sample assumptions
- Reviewing a default example before entering your own values and data type.
Check before relying
- Confirm whether the data is a sample or population and whether outliers should stay in the list.
- Sample mode uses Bessel's correction (n - 1) to estimate population variance from a sample.
- Population mode divides by n and treats the entered list as the full population.
- Source context: OpenStax, Rice University, reviewed 2026-05-26.
Next useful step
- Standard Deviation CalculatorUse next when the data-summary task needs standard deviation instead of variance.
- Statistics CalculatorUse next when the data-summary task needs count instead of variance.
- Mean Median Mode Range CalculatorUse next when the data-summary task needs mean instead of variance.
Formula
Population variance divides squared deviations by n. Sample variance divides by n - 1. Key assumptions: Sample mode uses Bessel's correction (n - 1) to estimate population variance from a sample. Population mode divides by n and treats the entered list as the full population. All values have equal weight; weighted or grouped-frequency variance is out of scope.
- Population variance divides squared deviations by n. Sample variance divides by n - 1.
- Sample mode uses Bessel's correction (n - 1) to estimate population variance from a sample.
- Population mode divides by n and treats the entered list as the full population.
- Primary source context: OpenStax, Rice University.
Inputs
Enter values and data type for data review, summaries, quality checks, and classwork. Before calculating, choose the mode or method first because it can change which formula is applied and check separators in pasted text so every value is parsed as intended. Values: Separate values with commas, spaces, or line breaks. Data type: Use sample for data drawn from a larger population; use population when the list is complete.
Example
Using the default inputs, Variance Calculator returns variance of 4.571429. Adjust values and data type to match your own scenario.
FAQ
How is variance calculated here?
Population variance divides squared deviations by n. Sample variance divides by n - 1. The first assumption to check is: Sample mode uses Bessel's correction (n - 1) to estimate population variance from a sample.
What does Variance mean for variance?
Read the center or spread metric first, then compare count, minimum, maximum, and sample/population notes. Secondary values such as mean, count, and standard deviation are there to explain the primary answer, not to replace it.
What should I enter for Values?
Separate values with commas, spaces, or line breaks. Choose the mode or method first because it can change which formula is applied and check separators in pasted text so every value is parsed as intended.
How does Data type change variance?
Use sample for data drawn from a larger population; use population when the list is complete. Changing it can alter variance because the formula uses the submitted inputs together. Also compare sample versus population mode, separators, missing values, outliers, and rounding precision.
Why does the variance example show 4.571429 for variance?
The default inputs produce 4.571429 for variance. Treat that as a format and scale check, then replace every default value with your own inputs.
What should I check before reporting variance?
Confirm how the values were parsed, whether the data is a sample or population, and whether outliers or missing values should stay in the set.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-05-26
- Reviewed 2026-05-26Introductory Statistics, Section 2.7: Measures of the Spread of the DataOpenStax, Rice University. Sample vs population divisor choice, variance as squared deviations, standard deviation as the square root of variance, and the published age-data verification fixture.
- Scope
- English-language introductory statistics definitions and examples.
- Supports
- Sample vs population divisor choice, variance as squared deviations, standard deviation as the square root of variance, and the published age-data verification fixture.
- Limits
- Educational textbook source; does not cover weighted or grouped-frequency variance for this calculator scope.
- Reviewed 2026-05-26NIST/SEMATECH e-Handbook of Statistical Methods: Measures of ScaleNational Institute of Standards and Technology. Variance definition using squared deviations from the mean and standard deviation as the square root of variance.
- Scope
- Descriptive statistics for univariate data spread and scale.
- Supports
- Variance definition using squared deviations from the mean and standard deviation as the square root of variance.
- Limits
- Defines the sample variance form and discusses spread; population-mode handling is covered by the OpenStax source.
Disclaimer
This calculator is an educational estimate based on the inputs and assumptions shown on the page.