What Is AVEDEV Excel Function?
The AVEDEV function in Excel calculates the average deviation of a set of values from their mean. This statistical measure provides valuable insight into the dispersion of data points around the average, helping users understand the overall variability within a dataset.
The example demonstrates how to use the AVEDEV Excel function with a table containing values.
To use the formula, enter it in cell B2 like this: =AVEDEV(A2:A7).
The result 1.5 is shown in cell B2.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- AVEDEV in Excel calculates the average deviation of values from the central point, which is the average of all numbers in the dataset.
- In the AVEDEV function, professionals working with Excel to understand the distinction between AVEDEV and STDEV functions to interpret and analyze datasets for decision-making and reporting purposes accurately.
- The AVEDEV function in Excel calculates the average of the absolute deviations of a set of numerical values.
- The AVEDEV function in Excel calculates the average deviation of data points from their mean value by measuring the distance of each point from the mean, calculating the absolute value of those distances, and finding the average of those absolute values.
- Excel AVEDEV function calculates the average deviation of data points from their mean. It gives a numeric value representing the average absolute distance between each data point and the mean.
Syntax
Number 1 – This is the mandatory argument. This is the first value of reference value.
With the AVEDEV function, professionals can accurately assess the spread and consistency of their data, allowing for more informed decision-making processes. This function is particularly useful in financial analysis, quality control, and research settings where understanding variation is critical to evaluating performance or making predictions. With its ability to quantify deviations from the mean clearly and concisely, the AVEDEV function proves to be an essential tool for businesses and analysts seeking to improve their data analysis capabilities in Excel.
How To Use AVEDEV Function In Excel? (With Steps)
To effectively utilize the AVEDEV function in Excel, follow these steps.
#1 – Access From The Excel Ribbon
- Please select the cell where the result will be displayed. Navigate to the Formulas tab and click on it.
- Please choose the “More Functions” option from the menu.
- To access the statistical functions, choose the “Statistical” option from the drop-down list. Next, select AVEDEV from the drop-down menu.
- Please input the values for the arguments in the Function Arguments window. Then, click on the OK button to proceed.
#2 – Enter The Worksheet Manually
Step 1: To calculate the average deviation in Excel, first choose an empty cell for the output. Then, enter the formula =AVEDEV( in the selected cell. Alternatively, you can start typing =A and then double-click on the AVEDEV function from the list of suggestions provided by Excel.
Step 2: Please press the Enter key to view the result.
Examples
Example #1 – Mean Deviation Of Employee Bonuses
In order to gain a better understanding of the AVEDEV Excel function to calculate the Mean Deviation of Employee Bonuses for the years 2022 and 2023, let us explore the following example. Take a look at the values in the table provided.
Let us now proceed with the following steps:
Step 1: Begin the calculation process by selecting cell F2 and entering the formula. Input the AVEDEV formula in the designated cell as follows:
=AVEDEV(B2:B14,D2:D14)
Step 2: The resulting value will then be displayed in cell F2.
Example #2 – Find Average Deviation Of Discreate Data
In the example below, we will demonstrate Find Average Deviation of Discrete Data from the monthly salary using the AVEDEV Excel function.
Look at the table above. To utilize the AVEDEV Excel function, please follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: In cell D2, enter the following formula.
=AVEDEV(B2:B13)
Step 2: The resulting value is $2,917.58 is displayed in cell E2, as shown in the image below.
Example #3
In this example, the AVEDEV function is used to calculate the average deviation of a set of marks of the students from their mean. This function is essential for analysing data and making informed decisions based on statistical data.
To use the AVEDEV Excel function, just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Enter the formula shown below in cell D2 and calculate the result.
=AVEDEV(B2:B7)
Step 2: The calculated result value is displayed in cell D2, as shown in the image below.
Important Things To Note
- In the AVEDEV function, arguments for calculations can be numbers, names, arrays, or references containing numbers. Empty cells, text, or logical values in cells will be ignored during the calculation process.
- The “DIV/0!” error occurs when there are no numeric values provided to a function.
- The #VALUE! error occurs when the number arguments provided are text strings that cannot be read as numbers.
- The #NUM! error occurs if the input arguments are numerical.
- The #NAME? error occurs when the AVEDEV function name is misspelled or incorrect syntax is used in the formula. To resolve, ensure correct spelling and syntax.
- The #REF! error occurs when the input range contains deleted or moved cells.
- The function returns 0 if all inputs are the same, has a limit of 255 arguments, and can account for units in the input arguments.
- The AVEDEV function is available in Microsoft Excel 2007 and newer versions but not in older versions like Excel 2003. If you have an older version, you can use alternative functions like AVERAGEIF or AVERAGEIFS for similar results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The AVEDEV function in Excel is useful in calculating the average of absolute deviations from a given data set. This example discusses #NUM! Errors in the AVEDEV Excel function when using values.
To use the formula, input it in cell B2, and the resulting value will be displayed in cell B2. The #NUM! An error occurred due to a nonnumerical value entered.
The AVEDEV and STDEV functions serve different purposes when analysing data.
The AVEDEV function calculates the average of the absolute deviations from the mean, providing a measure of variability in a dataset that is more resistant to outliers compared to standard deviation. On the other hand, the STDEV function calculates the standard deviation, which measures how spread-out numbers are in a dataset relative to their mean.
While both functions provide insights into the dispersion of data points from the mean, they differ in their mathematical formulations and interpretations.
The AVEDEV function limitations are;
• One drawback is that it does not account for extreme values in the data, which can skew the results and provide a misleading representation of the variability within the dataset.
• The AVEDEV function takes only absolute deviations, disregarding directionality and potentially losing important information about the distribution of values.
• It may not be suitable for datasets with widely varying magnitudes or scales, as it treats all deviations equally regardless of their magnitude.
Download Template
This article must help us understand the AVEDEV Excel Function’s formula and examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.
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