Standard Deviation Calculator

Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Use this Standard Deviation Calculator to quickly calculate accurate results online. Free, fast, and easy to use.

Population Sample

Standard Deviation Calculator (Population & Sample)

This Standard Deviation Calculator computes both sample and population standard deviation with complete step-by-step explanation.

What Is Standard Deviation?

Standard deviation measures how spread out numbers are from the mean.

Mean Formula

Mean = Σx ÷ n

Population Variance

σ² = Σ(x − μ)² ÷ n

Sample Variance

s² = Σ(x − x̄)² ÷ (n − 1)

Standard Deviation

σ = √Variance

When to Use Sample vs Population?

  • Use Population formula when data includes entire population.
  • Use Sample formula when data is a subset.

Example

For data: 5, 8, 12, 15, 20

Mean = 12

Variance = 34.8

Standard Deviation = 5.9

This calculator provides instant results and step breakdown for students and researchers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sample and population standard deviation?

Sample uses (n − 1) while population uses n in variance calculation.

Why divide by n − 1 in sample?

It corrects bias when estimating population variance.

Can standard deviation be negative?

No, it is always zero or positive.

Is standard deviation the same as variance?

No, standard deviation is the square root of variance.

When should I use population formula?

When you have complete data of the entire population.

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