How to Use the COVARIANCE.P Function in WPS on Windows

This how-to guide includes 4 operation topics for using COVARIANCE.P in WPS Spreadsheets on Windows, and all 4 are available without membership.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the COVARIANCE.P function

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Open WPS Spreadsheets and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
2. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
3. Continue with COVARIANCE.P(.
4. Check whether syntax guidance appears in the editing area.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The cell enters formula editing mode and shows the function name.
• Next action available: You can continue entering arguments and complete the calculation.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you do not start with =, the content may be treated as plain text.

2. Fill in arguments with syntax guidance

Entry point: A cell that already contains =COVARIANCE.P(

1. Enter the first data range inside the parentheses.
2. Add the separator and then enter the second data range.
3. Use the syntax guidance to check the number and order of arguments.
4. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The cell returns a calculated result instead of staying in edit mode.
• Next action available: When you select the cell again, the full formula is visible in the formula bar.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Missing arguments, incorrect separators, or incomplete ranges can cause errors or unexpected results.

3. Use cross-sheet references

Entry point: Formula bar

1. Enter =COVARIANCE.P( in the target cell.
2. Switch to the worksheet that contains the first data set and select the range.
3. Move to the worksheet with the second data set and select that range.
4. Close the parentheses and press Enter to finish the calculation.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The formula includes worksheet reference information.
• Next action available: If referenced data changes on either worksheet, the result updates accordingly.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If the two data sets do not align as expected, the result may not match your analysis goal.

4. Build a nested formula and check recalculation

Entry point: Formula bar

1. Enter a compound formula that includes COVARIANCE.P in the target cell.
2. Combine it with other functions or operators as needed.
3. Press Enter to view the current result.
4. Change one of the referenced source values and check whether the result updates.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The compound formula returns a result, and the result changes after source data is updated.
• Next action available: You can continue refining the formula structure or referenced ranges.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: In nested formulas, unmatched parentheses can prevent the formula from calculating.