In the example shown, the formula in F5 is: Note that the VAR function ignores the “NA” text in C8, while VARA includes this in the variance estimate as zero. Like VAR, VARA also evaluates logical values, and text representations of numbers when they are hardcoded directly into the function as arguments.
Variation functions in Excel
The table below summarizes the variation functions available in Excel.
Notes
VARA assumes arguments a sample of data, not entire population. If data represents the entire population, use VARPA or VAR.P VARA evaluates text values and logicals in references, unlike VAR. Arguments can either be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers. Arguments can be hard-coded values instead of references. To ignore logical values and/or text in references, use VAR or VAR.S.
Dave Bruns
Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.
