Purpose
Return value
Syntax
=TRIMMEAN(array,percent)
- array - Values to trim and average.
- percent - The number of data points to exclude from the calculation.
Using the TRIMMEAN function
The Excel TRIMMEAN function calculates mean (average) while excluding outliers. The number of data points to exclude is provided as a percentage.
TRIMMEAN works by first excluding values from the top and bottom of a data set, then calculating mean. The number of data points is provided as a percentage. The percentage can be input either in decimal format or percent format:
=TRIMMEAN(A1:A100,0.1) // exclude 10%
=TRIMMEAN(A1:A100,10%) // exclude 10%
=TRIMMEAN(A1:A100,0.2) // exclude 20%
=TRIMMEAN(A1:A100,20%) // exclude 20%
It’s important to note that TRIMMEAN rounds excluded data points down to the nearest multiple of 2. For example, with 50 data points, 10% equals 5 values. In this case, TRIMMEAN will round 5 down to 4, then exclude two values from the top, of the data set, and two values from the bottom of the data set.
Purpose
Return value
Syntax
=VAR(number1,[number2],...)
- number1 - First number or reference.
- number2 - [optional] Second number or reference.
Using the VAR function
The VAR function estimates the variance for a sample of data. Variance provides a general idea of the spread of data. In the example shown, the formula in F4 is:
=VAR(C5:C10)
VAR ignores text and logicals passed into as cell references. For example, VAR will ignore FALSE when it appears in a range like A1:A10. However, VAR will evaluate logical values, and text representations of numbers hardcoded directly as arguments.
Note: Microsoft classifies VAR as a " compatibility function “, now replaced by the VAR.S function .
Variation functions in Excel
The table below summarizes the variation functions available in Excel.
| Name | Data set | Text and logicals |
|---|---|---|
| VAR | Sample | Ignored |
| VARP | Population | Ignored |
| VAR.S | Sample | Ignored |
| VAR.P | Population | Ignored |
| VARA | Sample | Evaluated |
| VARPA | Population | Evaluated |
Notes
- VAR assumes arguments a sample of data, not entire population. If data represents the entire population, use VAR or VAR.P
- VAR only evaluates numbers in references, ignoring empty cells, text, and logical values like TRUE or FALSE.
- Arguments can either be numbers or names, arrays, or references that contain numbers.
- Arguments can be hard-coded values instead of references.
- To evaluate logical values and/or text in references, use the VARA function.
