Standard Deviation Calculator

When you need to solve standard Deviation, the Standard Deviation Calculator gives you a clear result to review. Try a known example if you are checking your work.

Standard deviation
2.1381
Count8
Mean5
Variance4.5714
Sum38
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Sources & methodology

Last reviewed January 15, 2026 — see our editorial & accuracy policy.

Method: Population σ = √(Σ(x−μ)²/N); sample s uses N−1 (Bessel's correction). Both are shown so you can pick the one matching your data.

How it works

Standard deviation measures how spread out numbers are around the mean. First find the mean, then the average of the squared differences from the mean (the variance), then take its square root. The sample version divides by n − 1, while the population version divides by n.

How to use the Standard Deviation Calculator

Enter the values requested by the tool and start with one realistic example. Read the result together with its unit or label, then change one input at a time if you want to compare options. Keeping a note of the original figures makes the calculation easier to check later.

A result is only as useful as the values and settings entered. Try a simple known example if you want to check your working.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sample and population?
Use population when your data is the entire group. Use sample when it is a subset used to estimate a larger group; it divides by n minus 1 to correct for bias.
What does a higher standard deviation mean?
A higher value means the data points are more spread out from the mean, while a lower value means they cluster closely around it.
Does it also show variance?
Yes. Variance is shown alongside the standard deviation, the mean, the count and the sum.