COVAR Excel Formula

Author Zaheer    Category Formulas     Tags ,

When it comes to Microsoft programs, one of the commonly used programs is Microsoft Excel. It is widely used to keep and manage data. Frequently, it is used by companies and offices as their database. They considered the program as a great tool in keeping a worry-free data because of table arrangements. Aside from using it as a database, it is also utilized for calculation. Since it contains different function, computations then become a very easy task. If you are using this program for computation, in a certain way, learning the COVAR function could actually help you use the program efficiently.

What is COVAR Function?

This is the function that computes for covariance, which is the product average of the deviations for every data set on pair. Covariance is used to know the relationship of two sets of data. For instance, the function returns the difference of two populations that describe the comparative data point distribution within the two populations.

COVAR Function Description

The formula of the COVAR function is:

=COVAR(array 1, array 2)

Since Microsoft Excel is a program that runs through formulas. To use COVAR function successfully, the syntax should not be forgotten. For a better understanding about the formula, listed below are its arguments:

  • array 1 – this is the value of integers cell range.
  • array 2 – this is the value of the succeeding cell range.

COVAR Function Key Notes

In order to use the function successfully, these are the important things to keep in mind:

  • The arguments should be numbers or names, ranges or cell references that contain the numbers.
  • Once the reference or range argument has logical values, text or blank cell, the values are neglected. But, cells that have a zero value are included.
  • If the array 2 and array 1 arguments obtain diverse numbers of data points, then COVAR acquire #N/A result.
  • Once either array 2 or array 1 is empty, the result of COVAR function is equal to #DIV/0!.

COVAR Function Example

To learn and understand more about the function, better check out the example below:

From cell A1 to cell A5, type in the following values:

  • 86
  • 25
  • 20
  • 85
  • 45

From cell B1 to cell B2, type in the following values:

  • 87
  • 45
  • 21
  • 11
  • 12

After entering all the data, find for the average products of the two sets data.

To use the COVAR function of Microsoft Excel, follow this procedure:

  • Click an empty or blank cell; this will be the location of the answer.
  • From the empty cell, type in the COVAR function syntax, which is “=CONVAR(array1, array 2)”.
  • To supply the value for array 1 argument, click cell A1 and then drag to highlight up to cell A5.
  • After supplying the value of array 1, type in a “comma”.
  • In supplying the values for array 2 argument, do the same procedure with array 1.
  • Once all the needed values are entered, press the enter key.
  • After pressing the enter key, the answer will automatically appear on the chosen cell and it is equal to 262.96.

To avoid error when using COVAR function, ensure that the entered data are correct. This is because of the fact that errors usually occur when the keyed in values in the function formula are incorrect.

Further readings

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