VARP Function (Gnumeric)

VARP computes variance of an entire population with the n denominator, not the sample n−1 denominator.

=VARP(area1,area2,...)

area1 — Range containing numeric values for the full population.

area2, ... — Additional full-population ranges, if needed.

Version and locale scope: The release-scoped function registry confirms VARP 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:

=VARP(B2:B9)

Expected result: 4. Mean 5 produces a sum of squared deviations of 32; dividing by all eight population observations gives 32/8 = 4.

Input interpretation: Unlike VAR, VARP divides by eight observations here. The advanced identity is algebraic, not a claim of runtime execution.

After reproducing the basic result, enter:

=VARP(B2:B9)+AVERAGE(B2:B9)^2

Expected result: 29. For population measurements, variance plus squared mean equals the average squared observation: 4 + 5² = 29; you can independently check the squares total 232 across eight rows.

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

=VARP(2,4)

Independently calculated expected result: 1. The mean is 3 and the sum of squared deviations is 2. Population variance divides by n, so 2/2=1. The variance is expressed in squared units; its square root is a spread in the original units.

1. VARP is inappropriate as the usual unbiased variance estimator of a larger population based on a sample; use VAR for that objective.
2. Variance has squared units; for the population standard deviation take STDEVP.
3. The advanced second-moment identity assumes the same complete numeric dataset is used in both functions.

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 VARP and contrasts it with VAR. Modern Excel also offers VAR.P; double-check a transferred workbook before replacing legacy names.

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 — VARP (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 VARP reference · Editorial standards