DVAR in WPS is a built-in spreadsheet function for returning the sample variance of a database field that matches criteria; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | All listed tasks are available directly |
About This Feature
Overview
DVAR is a built-in database function in WPS Spreadsheets that returns the sample variance of a specified field from records that meet given criteria. It is useful for conditional variance analysis in data tables, criteria-based summaries, and analytical worksheets.
Core tasks include:
- Search for and insert DVAR from the Insert Function dialog box.
- Type the
=DVAR(...)formula directly in a cell or in the formula bar. - Review syntax and parameter guidance before completing the formula.
This function is suitable for sales analysis, criteria-based statistics, spreadsheet training, and everyday worksheet modeling. In WPS Office on Windows, it supports a practical workflow for database function entry and conditional spreadsheet calculations.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally |
| App version | It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office for full formula entry and help access |
| Network | No mandatory internet connection is required to enter or calculate DVAR itself; internet access is needed for online help or downloading WPS Office |
| Other | You need access to WPS Spreadsheets and permission to edit worksheets and enter formulas |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Post-install check | Open WPS Spreadsheets and confirm that the Formula tab, formula bar, and Insert Function entry are available |
Source: WPS download page
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | WPS Spreadsheets provides the DVAR database function and supports both dialog-based insertion and direct formula entry for criteria-based variance calculations. | Microsoft Word supports formulas in table cells through the Formula command, but this is designed for document tables rather than a full spreadsheet database-function workflow. | Google Sheets supports formulas and functions in cells, with a function help box shown during editing. | Notion supports database formulas, built-in operators, and functions for property-based calculations in databases. | Adobe Acrobat supports calculated form fields for PDF forms and field-based calculation workflows. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: DVAR is available as a spreadsheet database function for criteria-based statistical calculation. Advantage: Users can work through both the Insert Function dialog and direct cell entry in one worksheet workflow. | Compared with WPS: formula support is centered on Word table calculations, so the workflow differs from spreadsheet database functions such as DVAR. | Compared with WPS: it also supports spreadsheet formulas, but this article focuses on the DVAR workflow inside the WPS spreadsheet interface on Windows. | Compared with WPS: formulas are tied to database properties rather than a traditional worksheet cell formula workflow. | Compared with WPS: calculation features are focused on PDF form fields rather than worksheet database functions. |
| Official Source | — | Use a formula in a Word table | Add formulas and functions | Formula syntax and functions | Configure form field calculations in Acrobat |
Overall Conclusion: WPS is well suited to users who want to enter and manage DVAR directly in a worksheet. For criteria-based variance analysis, parameter entry, and spreadsheet-oriented editing on Windows, the WPS workflow stays close to everyday spreadsheet use.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable Users | Main Need | How DVAR Helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conditional sales analysis | Business analysts | Need to measure variance after filtering by region or category | Use DVAR to calculate sample variance for records that meet criteria |
| 2 | Spreadsheet training | Teachers and trainers | Need to demonstrate function search and parameter structure | Use the Insert Function dialog to show search and parameter entry |
| 3 | Daily report modeling | Office users | Need to complete conditional statistics in an existing worksheet | Type =DVAR(...) directly in a target cell |
| 4 | Result checking | Finance and operations staff | Need to review unexpected results | Reopen syntax and parameter guidance to verify database, field, and criteria ranges |
| 5 | Template reuse | Spreadsheet template maintainers | Need to extend formulas across more cells | Enter the formula once, then copy or fill it as needed |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Feature Area | Free Users | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Basic spreadsheet functions | Available | Available |
| Basic PDF features | Partially available | More related features available |
| Cloud storage | 1 GB | 20 GB or more depending on the plan shown on the pricing page |
| Templates | Limited downloads | More templates and related benefits |
| AI-related tools | Limited access | More AI-related tools available, subject to the pricing page details |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Learning DVAR or handling everyday spreadsheet statistics | Free | The DVAR function itself can be used directly for regular spreadsheet work |
| Needing more cloud storage, templates, or broader office benefits | WPS Premium | Suitable for users who also want expanded office resources beyond basic spreadsheet functions |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership center: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page