Coefficient of Variation Calculator
Find the coefficient of variation (standard deviation divided by the mean) of a list of numbers, as a ratio and a percentage.
Change the values and press Calculate to work out your own figures.
Enter numbers and say whether they are a whole population or a sample.
Show the working
- Mean = 178 ÷ 8 = 22.25
- Sum of squared deviations = Σ(x − mean)² = 1,059.5
- σ² = 1,059.5 ÷ (N) = 132.4375
- σ = √132.4375 = 11.5081492865
- CV = σ ÷ |mean| = 11.5081492865 ÷ 22.25 = 0.517220192651 = 51.7220192651%
How to use it
Enter numbers and say whether they are a whole population or a sample.
Paste or type the numbers separated by commas, spaces or new lines. Results are worked out exactly and shown to 12 significant figures; Show the working lists each step.
Key facts
CV = σ ÷ |μ|
Comparing spread
The CV expresses spread relative to the mean, so it can compare variability between data sets with different units or scales. It is only meaningful for data on a ratio scale with a true zero.
Questions
What is a good coefficient of variation?
It depends on the field; lower means less spread relative to the mean.
Is CV the same as relative standard deviation?
Yes; RSD is the CV written as a percentage.
Formulas
CV = σ ÷ |μ|
Sources
Limitations
- Up to 5,000 values. Values are separated by commas, spaces or new lines, so write 1250 rather than 1,250.