# How to Calculate Sample Variance in Microsoft Excel

> To calculate sample variance in Microsoft Excel, click Formulas, select More Functions, hover over Statistical, and choose VAR.S. Next, enter the cell range into the Number1 field and tap Insert to compute the sample variance for your dataset.

Canonical: https://livedemo.ai/tutorials/how-to-calculate-sample-variance-in-microsoft-excel/
Apps: Microsoft, Excel
Updated: 2026-10-05
Interactive demo: https://story-api.livedemo.ai/workspaces/62255d3d3304f17b8f5e2d03/stories/692a3053d673bd5aa8e62f42/preview?step=1

## Steps

1. Inside your Microsoft Excel worksheet, head over to the top menu bar and click 'Formulas'.
2. Select 'More Functions' from the available options.
3. Subsequently, hover your mouse cursor over the 'Statistical' option and then click 'VAR.S'.
4. Tap the 'Number1' input field and then enter the cell range that contains the data you wish to calculate.
5. Once done, tap 'Insert' to proceed.
6. After completing these steps, the sample variance of the selected dataset will be calculated based on your input.