When using VAR.S, the most common questions are about arguments, result checking, and applying the formula across multiple cells; this FAQ covers 3 common questions.
FAQ
What should I do if VAR.S returns an error value?
- Check whether the arguments include content that cannot be used in the calculation.
- Confirm that the referenced range is correct and that you selected the intended cells.
- Open the Insert Function dialog box again and review the arguments before confirming the formula.
Why does the VAR.S result look different from what I expected?
- Confirm that you are using the sample variance function VAR.S.
- Check whether the selected data range includes values that should not be part of the calculation.
- Review the original data again and confirm the argument order and referenced range.
How can I use VAR.S in multiple cells?
- Enter the VAR.S formula in the first target cell.
- Select that cell and drag the fill handle, or copy and paste the formula into other cells.
- Check whether relative references behave as expected and adjust the references if needed.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| VAR.S | A statistical function used to calculate variance from sample data. |
| Function arguments | The values, cells, or ranges that a function uses in its calculation. |
| Formula bar | The input area above the worksheet where you can view and edit the current cell content. |