The COVAR() function calculates the covariance of a sample of population values. The syntax for the function is COVAR (array1, array2). The arguments "array1, array2" can be numerical values, references to a range of cells or a named range of which you want to find the variance (up to 30 data points).The function accepts logical values when entered directly into the function as arguments or when referenced but the function will ignore other terms not recognized as numerical values. Note: arguments that are text that cannot be translated into numerical values or that contain errors will cause the function to return an error value. The COVAR function returns the amount of variance between two populations which describes the relative distribution of data points in the two populations. It can also be thought of the square of the standard deviation or more specifically the average squared deviation form the mean. [chart comparing the variation of two populations of data] To learn more about covariance in statistics see: [The Variance Mathematics Knowledgebase]

How to use the COVAR() function: Type " =COVAR( " Enter the reference for the array of data "A2:A10". Type")" then press the "Enter" key.

Note: IF array1 and array2 have different numbers of data points the function will return a #N/A error value.