The COVARIANCE.S function calculates the covariance of a dataset, where the dataset is a sample of the total population.

Parts of a COVARIANCE.S function

COVARIANCE.S(data_y, data_x)

PartDescription
data_yThe range representing the array or matrix of dependent data.
data_xThe range representing the array or matrix of independent data.

Sample formulas

COVARIANCE.S(A1:A10)

COVARIANCE.S(1, 2, 3, 4)

COVARIANCE.S(B1:B5, 10)

Notes

  • Any text encountered in the value arguments will be ignored.
  • Positive covariance indicates that the independent data and dependent data tend to change together in the same direction.
  • Negative covariance indicates that they tend to change together in the opposite direction. An increase in one leads to a decrease in the other. The magnitude of covariance is difficult to interpret.

Examples

AB
1data_1
22
35
47
51
68
7
8
9Covariance
104.65
117
  • COVAR: Calculates the covariance of a dataset.