VAR Function (Gnumeric)

VAR calculates sample variance using n − 1 in the denominator. The output is in squared units of the underlying observations.

=VAR(area1,area2,...)

area1 — First range of numeric sample values.

area2, ... — Additional sample ranges, where relevant.

Version and locale scope: The release-scoped function registry confirms VAR within the Gnumeric 1.12.62 standard public function set (September 2026). The Gnumeric manual documents the syntax shown here but is a continuously updated reference, not a frozen 1.12.62 manual. The function’s original introduction version has not been established. The formulas below use comma-separated English-locale syntax; installed regional settings or imported files may display other separators. Availability can depend on installed plugins and builds for Gnumeric functions in general.

Create a worksheet and enter numeric data into the following eight cells. Keep these as real numbers, not quoted text.

All eight observations total 40 and average 5. Keep the reference B2:B9 consistent across the example.

1. Enter the values in the indicated cells in Gnumeric.
2. Select a separate blank result cell outside the input range.
3. Enter this formula exactly as written for the sample input:

=VAR(B2:B9)

Expected result: approximately 4.5714285714. The eight observations average 5 and their squared deviations total 32. Sample variance is 32/(8−1) = 32/7.

Input interpretation: All inputs are numeric, so the walkthrough does not resolve cross-application treatment of booleans or error cells.

After reproducing the basic result, enter:

=VAR(B2:B9)/VARP(B2:B9)

Expected result: approximately 1.1428571429. The sample-to-population variance ratio is (32/7) / 4 = 8/7, showing the n−1 correction for the same eight values.

This is a teaching example, not an assertion that the formula has been executed in this software version.

=VAR(2,4)

Independently calculated expected result: 2. The mean is 3 and the sum of squared deviations is 2. Sample variance divides by n−1, so 2/1=2. Treating these same two values as the whole population would give population variance 1.

1. Variance is expressed in squared units. To return to the original measurement units, compare STDEV.
2. If only one numeric row is present, a sample variance cannot be calculated using n−1; verify the data count.
3. VAR should not be silently replaced by VARP without understanding sample versus population scope.

If the output differs, first confirm the exact cell contents and range boundaries; use an independent small dataset to isolate a formula issue from imported formats, hidden characters or missing values. Keep result cells outside the input ranges to avoid accidental circular references. Do not hide an error with IFERROR until you know which input is responsible.

Gnumeric documents VAR as Excel compatible. In modern Excel the sample function name VAR.S is also available; inspect workbook imports for naming and sample semantics.

Gnumeric reference coverage is not a claim that every formula behaves identically in Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, Apple Numbers or other spreadsheet apps. Review the receiving application’s argument conventions, cell types and version-specific behavior before relying on workbook portability.

COUNT · AVERAGE · IF · SUM

• Official Gnumeric Statistics function reference — VAR (checked 2026-10-11).
• Gnumeric official function catalog (checked 2026-10-11; its headline/row totals are not treated as the canonical release count).
• Gnumeric 1.12.62 official release notes (release dated September 2026, checked 2026-10-11).

The syntax and behaviour are based on the Gnumeric references cited above. The sample calculations were independently checked; they are expected results, not outputs observed in Gnumeric. Test locale-sensitive text conversion and imported files in your own installation. View the example-check record.

Official VAR reference · Editorial standards