How to Calculate Sample Variance Using Excel

1. Add the numbers in the first column of your Excel 2007 document. For example, add the numbers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 in A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 and A7.
2. For this example, click on the 'A9' cell. This is the cell where you will calculate the variance. When you calculate another variance, 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 'VAR,' which is the function of variance 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 variance has been successfully calculated. In this example, the calculated value of the variance is 35,000.