DSTDEVP in FreeOffice PlanMaker: Syntax and Worked Examples

For East values 2, 4 and 6, =DSTDEVP(A10:D16,"Value",D1:D2) is expected to return approximately 1.6329931619. These values are treated as the complete population being described.

DSTDEVP describes population spread. DSTDEV instead estimates population spread from a sample. Selecting a subset by criteria does not decide which statistical interpretation is appropriate; define the population before choosing the function.

=DSTDEVP(DatabaseArea, Column, SearchCriteriaArea)

All three arguments are required. Include database headings in DatabaseArea. Select the field by quoted label or a one-based relative field index. Here "Value" and 3 are equivalent selections. The criteria argument is a separate headed range above the database.

For numeric population values, divide the sum of squared deviations from the population mean by n, then take the square root. The result has the same unit as the measurements; the squared-unit quantity before taking the square root is variance.

Enter the following database in A10:D16, including its header row:

Create these small criteria blocks above the database, leaving the blocks separate:

Enter comparison criteria such as >=0 as cell content, not as a formula beginning with =. Header labels must correspond to the database fields. The repeated Value headings let two conditions apply to the same field in one criteria row.

The official database-function instructions require the criteria area to be above the database and not overlap it. Conditions on the same row combine with AND; separate criteria rows combine with OR. The database reference includes its headings; the criteria reference includes its own headings and the intended condition rows. Do not include an extra blank criteria row casually, because it changes the criteria structure.

Enter =DSTDEVP(A10:D16,"Value",D1:D2). The East values are 2, 4 and 6, with mean 4. Their squared deviations are 4, 0 and 4, totaling 8:

population variance = 8/3
population standard deviation = sqrt(8/3)
                              = 1.6329931619 approximately

=DSTDEVP(A10:D16,3,D1:D2) has the same expected result. DSTDEV on the same values would divide by 2 before taking the square root, giving 2 instead. This difference is statistical, not a rounding discrepancy.

For the five East/West values, squared deviations total 40 and n=5, giving variance 8 and standard deviation √8. The real zero observation participates in that calculation.

A one-member population has zero spread around its own mean. That mathematical result does not establish that a single observation is enough to estimate the variability of a larger population; the sample question is different.

Use a clearly bounded population, such as all numeric measurements in the stated set of records for a defined report. Keep the criteria and record count visible. If only some measurements are available and the goal is inference about a larger group, reassess whether the sample function is appropriate.

The North criteria match no records. An empty selection has no defined mean under the population calculation. The official page does not specify the exact error token. The native check below records #DIV/0!, distinct from the singleton population result.

The worked calculations use explicit numeric cells. They do not establish every rule for text, blanks, Boolean fields or stored errors. Inspect the actual selected values before interpreting a standard deviation as proof that all intended data were included.

A small displayed standard deviation can be rounded to zero while the underlying value is nonzero. Retain enough precision for comparison and distinguish a true singleton zero from a rounded result or missing selection.

When comparing with another spreadsheet, verify the population definition, criteria logic and numeric count. The same dataset can legitimately produce different sample and population standard deviations even when both calculations are correct.

The seven DSTDEVP cases were calculated in FreeOffice PlanMaker 2024 revision F1238.1005. The results matched √(8/3), √(8/3), 2, √8, √(8/3) and 0 for the first six selections. The South singleton returned numeric zero; the missing North selection returned #DIV/0!. All formulas and typed inputs survived native PMDX save and reopen. The zero for a one-member population therefore differs from the observed empty-selection error in this build.

Selected J10 displays 1.63299, rounded from the population result. J13 displays 2.82843, J15 is the singleton zero, and J16 is the no-match #DIV/0! error. The criteria remain above the database, including the East/West OR block in H1:H3; results occupy J10:J16 outside both input areas.

The official FreeOffice PlanMaker 2024 reference was checked October 18, 2026. The installed application is FreeOffice PlanMaker 2024 revision F1238.1005. The original introduction version is not established by this evidence; the current reference does not identify the function as deprecated or retired. No availability claim for a different edition or a 2026 release is implied.

The native section reports the exact tested subset and results from revision F1238.1005 after native PMDX save and reopen. Independent arithmetic is distinguished from saved observations. No Excel-export test was performed. English formulas in this guide use commas; use the separators required by your formula settings.

• STDEV-P
• COUNT
• AVERAGE