How to Calculate Population Standard Deviation Using Excel

1. Add the numbers in the first column of your Excel 2007 document. For example, add the numbers 15.4,13.2,11.1,12.5,11.3 and 13 in A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 and A7.
2. Click on the 'A9' cell for this example. This is the cell where you will calculate the standard deviation. When you calculate another standard deviation, choose any cell at the bottom of the list of numbers you are using.
3. Click on the 'Formulas' tab while you are in the 'A9' cell. Click on 'Statistical' on the drop-down menu.
4. Click 'Insert Function' on the top left-hand side of the Excel spreadsheet. The 'Insert Function' window will pop open.
5. Click on the drop-down menu of 'Or select a category.'
6. Scroll down the 'Select a function' window. Choose 'STDEV,' which is the function of standard deviation based on the sample.
7. Click 'OK.' The 'Functions Arguments' window will pop open. Ensure that on 'Number 1' cell, A2:A7 is populated. If A2:A7 is not populated, enter A2:A7 manually. Click 'OK.'
8. The standard deviation has been successfully calculated in the 'A9' cell. In this example, the calculated value of the standard deviation is 1.560449.