Variance vs. Standard Deviation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 18, 2023
"Variance" measures the average squared deviation from the mean, while "Standard Deviation" is the square root of variance, indicating data spread.
Key Differences
"Variance" is a statistical metric that quantifies the average squared differences from the mean of a data set. It provides insights into the dispersion or spread of data points. In contrast, the "Standard Deviation" is simply the square root of variance, offering a more interpretable measure of data spread since it's in the original units of the data.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
When analyzing "Variance," higher values signify that data points deviate more from the average, implying greater dispersion. On the other hand, "Standard Deviation" gives a direct sense of how far, on average, data points are from the mean, serving as a more intuitive descriptor of variability.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
The primary advantage of "Variance" is that it's derived directly from data differences, making it a foundational concept in statistics. However, since it's in squared units, it can sometimes be challenging to interpret in context. This is where the "Standard Deviation" becomes valuable, as it provides variability context in the same unit as the data itself.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Both "Variance" and "Standard Deviation" are pivotal in fields like finance, economics, and psychology to understand data variability. While "Variance" offers a raw measure of dispersion, "Standard Deviation" refines it, offering clearer, actionable insights about data spread.
Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Average of squared differences from the mean.
Square root of variance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Interpretation Difficulty
Somewhat challenging due to squared units.
Easier, given it's in original data units.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Application
Fundamental in statistical analysis.
More commonly used due to interpretability.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Relation to Mean
Provides squared deviation from mean.
Directly indicates average distance from mean.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Variance and Standard Deviation Definitions
Variance
Average of the squared differences from the mean.
The high Variance indicated a wide dispersion in the data set.
Harlon Moss
Oct 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Standard Deviation
Measure reflecting the average deviation from the mean.
The Standard Deviation of exam scores helped educators identify curriculum effectiveness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Variance
Quantifies how far data points are spread out from their average value.
The stock returns had a low Variance, implying stable performance.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Standard Deviation
Gauge of uncertainty or variability in a data set.
Researchers noted a minimal Standard Deviation in the experimental results.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Variance
Statistical metric of data point deviations from the mean in squared units.
The Variance of house prices in the region was significant due to varied property types.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Standard Deviation
Square root of variance, showing data spread.
The low Standard Deviation indicated closely clustered data points.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Variance
Reflects the consistency or variability of a set of numbers.
The Variance in annual rainfall was used to predict droughts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Standard Deviation
Average distance of data points from the mean.
Given the high Standard Deviation, investors were advised to be cautious.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Variance
The state or quality of being variant or variable; variation
Considerable variance in temperature across the region.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Standard Deviation
Indicator of data variability in original units.
Despite similar averages, City A had a greater Standard Deviation in temperatures than City B.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Variance
Difference or inconsistency
Your behavior is at variance with your beliefs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
The state or fact of being in disagreement or in conflict
I am at variance with her over who should pay for the damage.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
A discrepancy between two statements or documents, especially between the charge in a criminal indictment and the evidence presented.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
An exception to the application of a usual rule, granted by an authority on the basis of hardship or practicality
A zoning variance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
(Chemistry) The number of thermodynamic variables, such as temperature and pressure, required to specify a state of equilibrium of a system, given by the phase rule; the degrees of freedom of a system.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
A difference between what is expected and what is observed; deviation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
An official permit to do something that is ordinarily forbidden by regulations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
Covariance and contravariance generally.
Depending on the variance of the type constructor, the subtyping relation of the simple types may be either preserved, reversed, or ignored for the respective complex types.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
The quality or state of being variant; change of condition; variation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
Difference that produces dispute or controversy; disagreement; dissension; discord; dispute; quarrel.
That which is the strength of their amity shall prove the immediate author of their variance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
A disagreement or difference between two parts of the same legal proceeding, which, to be effectual, ought to agree, - as between the writ and the declaration, or between the allegation and the proof.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
The expected value of the square of the deviation from the mean of a randomly distributed variable; the second moment about the mean. This is also the square of the standard deviation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
The second moment around the mean; the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from its mean value
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
A difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions;
A growing divergence of opinion
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
An activity that varies from a norm or standard;
Any variation in his routine was immediately reported
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Variance
Measure of data dispersion in squared terms.
Despite many data points, the Variance was surprisingly low.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
FAQs
How does squaring differences in "Variance" calculations help?
Squaring in "Variance" eliminates negative deviations and emphasizes larger differences.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Is "Standard Deviation" always non-negative?
Yes, "Standard Deviation" is always non-negative as it's the square root of variance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
How is "Variance" calculated in a dataset?
"Variance" is computed as the average of squared differences from the mean.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Is "Standard Deviation" affected by outliers?
Yes, "Standard Deviation" can be significantly affected by outliers, as can "Variance."
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
What is the primary difference between "Variance" and "Standard Deviation"?
"Variance" is in squared units, while "Standard Deviation" is in the original data units.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Why might a researcher choose "Standard Deviation" over "Variance"?
"Standard Deviation" offers clearer interpretability in many contexts compared to "Variance."
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Can both "Variance" and "Standard Deviation" be zero?
Yes, both can be zero, indicating no variability in the dataset.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Which measure, "Variance" or "Standard Deviation," is more interpretable?
"Standard Deviation" is more interpretable due to its original data units.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
In what scenarios is "Variance" particularly useful?
"Variance" is foundational in many statistical methods and theories, making it essential in advanced analyses.
Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
