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Appendix E: Using Excel to Calculate the Average and Standard Deviation

Excel can be used to calculate the average value of a set of measurements and the standard deviation. To use Excel for this purpose, follow these steps.
  • 1
    Enter the readings in the first column. In this example, the values entered in cells A3 to A7 are the height (in inches) of five students (see Fig. 1 below).
Figure 1

Figure 1: Entering your data

  • 2
    In cell A8 type = and select AVERAGE from the pull-down menu, (see Fig. 2 below).
    Figure 2

    Figure 2: Selecting from the pull-down menu
  • 3
    The Functions Argument window with A3:A7 in the Number 1 field is displayed as shown in Fig. 3 below.
    Figure 3

    Figure 3: Finding the average value
  • 4
    Select OK. The average of the five values is displayed.
    Figure 4

    Figure 4: Average value is displayed

    Alternately, you can combined steps 2, 3, and 4 by typing = AVERAGE(A3:A7) and pressing ENTER.
  • 5
    In cell A9, type = and select STDEV from the pull-down menu. The Function Argument window is displayed.
    Figure 5

    Figure 5: Finding the standard deviation
  • 6
    Excel automatically calculates the standard deviation of the five heights and the average. To input the correct range, click the icon to the right of the Number 1 field and select cells A3 through A7.
    Figure 6

    Figure 6: Selecting the required cells for finding the standard deviation
  • 7
    Click OK. The standard deviation is displayed.
    Figure 7

    Figure 7: Standard deviation is displayed

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