# VARS

The **VARS** function returns the sample variance of a dataset. It measures how widely values are spread from the mean when the data represents a sample of a larger population. The calculation uses (n − 1) in the denominator to provide an unbiased estimate.

### Syntax

```javascript
VARS(number1, [number2], ...)
```

### Arguments

The **VARS** function syntax has the following arguments:

* number1, number2, ... - The numeric values for which you want to calculate the sample variance. Required.

### Example

<pre class="language-javascript"><code class="lang-javascript"><strong>VARS(10, 20, 30)
</strong>// Returns 100
<strong>VARS(10, 20, 30, 40, 50)
</strong>// Returns 250
</code></pre>

You can use the **VARS** function to analyze how widely values are spread from the mean by calculating the sample variance for metrics such as sales, revenue, or performance scores.

<figure><img src="/files/mpeiM7Ptjz8aC5U1OfJb" alt=""><figcaption><p>VARS function</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
We can also use the [**SELECT**](/planning-sheets/formula-syntax/measure-column-selection-functions/select.md) function to select a range of columns from 1 to 4 for the 'Revenue' measure (2022 Revenue - 2025 Revenue).

<pre><code><strong>VARS(SELECT([Revenue], 1, 4))
</strong></code></pre>

{% endhint %}

### Excel Equivalent

[VARS](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/var-s-function-913633de-136b-449d-813e-65a00b2b990b)

### FAQs

**Q1. How is VARS calculated?**

VARS (Sample Variance) is calculated by taking the sum of squared deviations from the mean and dividing it by (n − 1).

<figure><img src="/files/yE1jJxteHjBciAQKAYj2" alt="" width="194"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Where:

* x = each value in the dataset
* <img src="/files/7kgTtFg5mZ5tcXpS74Op" alt="" data-size="line"> = mean of the values
* n = number of values

It measures how widely the values are spread from the mean by calculating the sample variance, which represents the average squared deviation from the mean.


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