calculating values across multiple fields for DSTDEV

[Rex_Tucker]

Hi guys,

I've got a dilly of a pickle, I need to calculate the stdev across data from
multiple fields for data that match certain criteria. Calculating the average
across multiple fields is no problem, as the average for each field can be
added then divided by the total number of fields. However the stdev cannot be
calculated this way. There is no information I can find on how this might be
easily achieved using some variation of the DSTDEV function. Any ideas?

 

[FLKulchar]

I use the STDEV function...it ignores blank cells, for example in addition,
you must use other Excel formulas to stipulate your parameters within the
=STDEV formula.

See the Help Menu (STDEV) in any Excel workbook.

Regards,FLKulchar

 

[Rex_Tucker]

The data array that I am working on is massive, containing 25 columns and
several thousand rows. I need to calculate the stdev for data that is
distributed across 5 columns for around 400 different variables, that are
specified by 2 criteria. THe DSTDEV function only does this for 1 column at a
time, and averaging stdevs across columns does not return the proper value. I
have tried other conditional formulas, combinations of IF & AND functions,
but these have not managed to isolate the data I want. Doing it manually
would take several days, so could you please advise me which combinations of
excel formulas, if any, might work?

 

[FLKulchar]

I realize the STDEV function does no good for AVERAGING the std. dev.
accross columns.
You can have a TOTAL stddev for column 1,...and several stdev values for
each of the other columns...(just copy and paste)!

The bottom sum will not 'cross-foot'. I am an upper level mathematics
teacher; the STDEV (sample std. dev.) will NEVER crossfoot........in other
words the total std. dev. is NOT equal to the sum of its parts.

FLKulchar