Summary

VAR.P returns the variance for a population. Variance measures spread in squared units, so it describes how far the full dataset sits from its mean, but in a less directly readable form than standard deviation.

The .P means population. Use this version when the dataset already contains every value you want to study. If your data is only a sample, use VAR.S instead.

Syntax

=VAR.P(number1, [number2], ...)

You can use cell ranges, individual references, typed values, or a mix of them.

Arguments

• number1 - [required] The first number, range, or reference in the population.
• number2, ... - [optional] Additional population values or ranges.

VAR.P vs Other Functions

Using the VAR.P Function

VAR.P is the version to use when your list is already complete. If you are analyzing all recorded outputs for a machine, every score in a full class, or every value in the group you care about, the population version is the right choice.

Microsoft notes that VAR.P assumes the arguments represent the entire population. It also notes that logical values and text representations of numbers typed directly into the argument list are counted, while text and logical values inside references are ignored. Blank cells in references are ignored as well.

Like all variance measures, the result is in squared units. That makes it useful for analysis and modeling, but less intuitive to read directly than standard deviation. If you want a spread measure in the original units, STDEV.P is usually easier to interpret.

Example 1 - Measure population variance in a range

This is the standard setup when your sheet already contains the full group you want to analyze.

=VAR.P(B1:B10) // Returns the population variance for the range.

Example 2 - Check a tight population

Values that stay close together produce a smaller variance.

=VAR.P(10,11,10,9) // Returns a relatively small population variance.

Example 3 - Check a wider population

When the population values are farther apart, the variance grows much more quickly.

=VAR.P(10,50,10,90) // Returns a much larger population variance.

Example 4 - Use it as a population spread check

This helps when you want a full-population measure of variation for deeper statistical work.

=VAR.P(B1:B10) // Returns the population variance for the range.

Conclusion Recap

• Main job: VAR.P measures population variance.
• Use it for full populations: Choose it when the data already includes every value you want to analyze.
• Variance is squared spread: It describes the same idea as standard deviation, but in squared units.
• Larger result means more spread: Smaller result means tighter clustering.
• Reference behavior: Text and logical values in references are ignored.
• Related option: Use STDEV.P if you want the spread in the original units.