VAR.S Function in Excel: Syntax, Examples & Practice
Learn the Excel VAR.S function: Estimates variance from a sample. Try focused practice and download a free workbook.
Syntax
=VAR.S(number1, [number2], …)
Check the function documentation for your Excel version and platform. The browser simulator implements selected behavior and does not reproduce every Excel feature.
Worked example
| Row | A: Employee | B: Value | C: Target | D: Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Amit | 45000 | 50000 | Active |
| 3 | Priya | 62000 | 60000 | Active |
| 4 | Ravi | 38000 | 45000 | Closed |
| 5 | Neha | 55000 | 55000 | Active |
=VAR.S(B2:B5)
Expected result: 112666666.67
Value and Target are numbers; Status is separate text. Statistical formulas use the four visible Value observations.
Professional use
Measure dispersion in sample data.
Practice VAR.S · Download practice .xlsx
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Questions and answers
How can I practise VAR.S?
Use the focused ten-question VAR.S lab, then download its workbook for ten additional function-specific tasks and an answer key. Core learning works without an account.
Which Excel version supports VAR.S?
Check the function documentation for your Excel version and platform. The browser simulator implements selected behavior and does not reproduce every Excel feature.
Does the browser simulator replace Microsoft Excel?
No. It supports a selected set of formula behavior for practice. Native workbook recalculation, full function compatibility, PivotTables and external data features must be checked in your own Excel installation.
Interactive practice runs in your browser.