Statistics
Coefficient of variation
Spread expressed as a percentage of the centre. Unitless, so it can compare variability across quantities measured in different units.
The Formula
CV = Standard Deviation / Mean x 100
Spread expressed as a percentage of the centre. Unitless, so it can compare variability across quantities measured in different units.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CV | Coefficient of variation | percent | Meaningless for data spanning zero, where the mean is near nothing. |
What Each Symbol Means
CVpercent
Coefficient of variation
Meaningless for data spanning zero, where the mean is near nothing.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate standard deviation page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Standard Deviation, filed under Math. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.