AVEDEV

The AVEDEV function in Google Sheets calculates the average of the magnitudes of deviations of data from a dataset's mean. This function is useful for analyzing the dispersion or variability of a set of values.

Parameters

• value1: The first value or range to consider.
• value2, ...: [Optional] Additional values or ranges to consider.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Using AVEDEV with individual values:

   • Example: =AVEDEV(2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
   • Result: 3.2

2. Using AVEDEV with a range of cells:

   • Example: If A1:A5 contains the values 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, then =AVEDEV(A1:A5) will return 3.2.

Working with a Single Value, a List, and a Range

AVEDEV accepts numbers one at a time, as a comma-separated list, or as a range — mix and match freely.

• Single value: =AVEDEV(A1) — the deviation of a single value from its own mean is always 0.
• List of values: =AVEDEV(A1, A2, A3) — if A1, A2, A3 are 0, 3, 6, the mean is 3, and averaging the absolute deviations (3, 0, 3) gives 2.
• Range: =AVEDEV(A1:A10) — averages the absolute deviations of every cell in the range.
• Mixed: =AVEDEV(A1, A3:A6, 10) — you can combine single cells, ranges, and literal numbers in one call.

Use Cases and Scenarios

1. Data Analysis: Calculate the average deviation of a dataset from its mean.
2. Quality Control: Measure the variability of production data.
3. Market Research: Analyze the dispersion of survey responses.

Related Functions

• AVERAGE: Calculate the average of a set of values.
• STDEV: Calculate the standard deviation of a set.

Related Articles

• Understanding Statistical Functions in Google Sheets
• Data Cleaning, Sorting, and Analysis Tips in Google Sheets