What's the difference between DSTDEV and DSTDEVP?

DSTDEV calculates sample standard deviation (dividing by n-1), appropriate when your filtered data represents a sample. DSTDEVP calculates population standard deviation (dividing by n), used when your filtered data is the complete population. Choose based on whether your records represent a subset or the full dataset.

How do I filter by multiple conditions at once with DSTDEV?

Use AND logic by placing multiple criteria in the same row: put the column names (Department, Status) as headers across columns, then put the matching values (Sales, Active) in the row below. All criteria in a row must match for a record to be included. Use multiple rows for OR logic (either condition).

Why does DSTDEV return an error when my criteria match only one record?

Sample standard deviation requires at least two values to calculate variation. With only one record, there's no spread to measure. Either broaden your criteria to include more matching records, or use DSTDEVP if you're calculating population variation.

Can I use date or numeric comparisons like 'greater than' in DSTDEV criteria?

Yes, DSTDEV supports comparison operators (>, =, ) in the criteria range for numeric and date columns. Enter the operator with the value, such as ">2020-12-31" to find dates after that date or ">50000" for salaries above that threshold.

DSTDEV function

Returns the standard deviation of values in a database field that match criteria, showing how much the numeric data spreads out.

=DSTDEV(database, field, criteria)

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Arguments

How DSTDEV reads its arguments

Argument	Required	Description
database	Required	The range containing the database table including all column headers and data rows; must be rectangular with headers in the first row.
field	Required	The column to analyze, specified as a text header name (like "Salary") or a numeric column position; must exist in the database headers.
criteria	Required	A range with column headers matching the database, plus rows below containing filter values; use comparison operators like >, <, >=, <= for numeric/date conditions.

Returns

A number representing the sample standard deviation of matching field values.

Availability

Excel: All · Google Sheets: Supported

Worked examples

1. Salary variation in Sales department

Employee ID	Name	Department	Hire Date	Salary	Status
1	Alice Johnson	Sales	2020-01-15	60000	Active
4	David Wilson	Sales	2018-11-05	75000	Active

=DSTDEV($A$1:$F$7, "Salary", $A$9:$B$10)

Result: 10606.61

DSTDEV matches rows where Department='Sales', selecting Alice ($60k) and David ($75k). The sample standard deviation of these salaries is 10606.61, showing moderate variation in this department's compensation.

2. Salary variation in Engineering department

Employee ID	Name	Department	Hire Date	Salary	Status
2	Bob Smith	Engineering	2019-06-20	90000	Active
3	Carol Davis	Engineering	2021-03-10	80000	Active

=DSTDEV($A$1:$F$7, "Salary", $A$12:$B$13)

Result: 7071.07

This formula filters for Department='Engineering', matching Bob ($90k) and Carol ($80k). The resulting standard deviation of 7071.07 is lower than Sales, indicating less salary dispersion within the engineering team.

3. Salary variation for recent hires hired after 2020

Employee ID	Name	Department	Hire Date	Salary	Status
3	Carol Davis	Engineering	2021-03-10	80000	Active
5	Emma Brown	HR	2022-01-30	55000	Active

=DSTDEV($A$1:$F$7, "Salary", $A$15:$B$16)

Result: 17677.67

Using a date criteria (Hire Date > 2020-12-31), DSTDEV selects Carol (hired 2021, $80k) and Emma (hired 2022, $55k). Their standard deviation of 17677.67 is the highest, revealing a substantial salary gap among recent hires.

Common errors

Which DSTDEV error are you seeing?

Error	Why it happens	How to fix it
#N/A	The field argument specifies a column name that does not exist in the database headers.	Verify the column name matches exactly, including spelling and case; check that it appears in the first row of the database range.
#VALUE!	The criteria range is malformed: column headers don't match the database, or the range structure is invalid.	Ensure the criteria range has proper column headers in the first row that match the database table's headers exactly.
#NUM!	No records match the criteria, or only one record matches; sample standard deviation requires at least two values to calculate.	Broaden the criteria to match more records, or use DCOUNT first to verify your criteria match at least two rows.

Tips and when to use something else

Use DSTDEVP instead of DSTDEV when you want population standard deviation (dividing by n) rather than sample standard deviation (dividing by n-1).
Column headers in the criteria range must match the database headers exactly—copy them directly to avoid spelling and capitalization errors.
Combine DSTDEV with DCOUNT to verify your criteria match enough records before running the calculation; at least 2 values are needed.
For complex filtering without database functions, consider using STDEV with array formulas or helper columns instead of DSTDEV.

Related functions

DVARReturns the variance of values in a database column that match specified criteria, measuring spread in a filtered dataset.DAVERAGECalculates the average of values in a database field that meet specified criteria, useful for finding filtered averages without creating separate tables.DCOUNTDCOUNT counts cells in a database field that meet specified criteria, returning the total count of matching non-blank cells.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between DSTDEV and DSTDEVP?: DSTDEV calculates sample standard deviation (dividing by n-1), appropriate when your filtered data represents a sample. DSTDEVP calculates population standard deviation (dividing by n), used when your filtered data is the complete population. Choose based on whether your records represent a subset or the full dataset.
How do I filter by multiple conditions at once with DSTDEV?: Use AND logic by placing multiple criteria in the same row: put the column names (Department, Status) as headers across columns, then put the matching values (Sales, Active) in the row below. All criteria in a row must match for a record to be included. Use multiple rows for OR logic (either condition).
Why does DSTDEV return an error when my criteria match only one record?: Sample standard deviation requires at least two values to calculate variation. With only one record, there's no spread to measure. Either broaden your criteria to include more matching records, or use DSTDEVP if you're calculating population variation.
Can I use date or numeric comparisons like 'greater than' in DSTDEV criteria?: Yes, DSTDEV supports comparison operators (>, <, >=, <=, =, <>) in the criteria range for numeric and date columns. Enter the operator with the value, such as ">2020-12-31" to find dates after that date or ">50000" for salaries above that threshold.

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Reviewed 2026-09-17