Syntax
AVEDEV(value1, [value2, ...])
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| value1 | Parameter of the AVEDEV function. |
| [value2 | (Optional.) Parameter of the AVEDEV function. |
| ...] | Parameter of the AVEDEV function. |
Examples
Average delivery deviation
Formula
=AVEDEV(C2:C100)
If average delivery time is 5 days and AVEDEV returns 1.2, that means deliveries typically deviate 1.2 days from the average.
Budget variance
Formula
=AVEDEV(B2:B13)
Returns how much monthly spending typically deviates from the annual average. A lower value means more predictable expenses.
Direct values
Formula
=AVEDEV(10, 20, 30, 40, 50)
Mean is 30. Absolute deviations: 20, 10, 0, 10, 20. Average of those: 12. Returns 12.
Common Errors
#DIV/0!
No numeric values in the range.
#VALUE!
Non-numeric direct arguments.
Tips
Simpler than standard deviation
AVEDEV uses absolute differences instead of squared differences. It is easier to explain to non-technical stakeholders.
Always smaller than STDEV
For the same data, AVEDEV is always less than or equal to STDEV. They measure the same concept (spread) but with different sensitivity to outliers.
Not commonly used in formal statistics
Standard deviation (STDEV) is preferred in most statistical formulas and tests. Use AVEDEV for quick, intuitive analysis rather than formal inference.
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