Calculators
Coefficient of Variation Calculator
Calculate population or sample coefficient of variation as a percentage, with mean and standard deviation, privately in your browser.
Compare variability relative to the mean.
The coefficient of variation (CV) is standard deviation divided by the arithmetic mean, multiplied by 100%. Population mode divides the sum of squared distances from the mean by n; sample mode divides by n − 1 before taking the square root. For 10, 20, and 30, the mean is 20, population standard deviation is approximately 8.16497, and CV is approximately 40.8248%. Sample CV for the same data is 50%. Use non-negative ratio-scale measurements with a meaningful zero and consistent units, such as lengths or weights. CV is unsuitable for Celsius or Fahrenheit temperatures because their zero points are arbitrary. All-zero data has an undefined CV; means near zero can produce large percentages. A single positive value has population CV zero, while sample mode requires two values. Enter up to 10000 numbers using decimal points without thousands separators; scientific notation is supported. Results use floating-point arithmetic and display up to 12 significant digits. All processing stays in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this tool, how it works, and privacy.
How is coefficient of variation calculated?
Divide standard deviation by the arithmetic mean and multiply by 100%. For 10, 20, and 30, population CV is approximately 40.8248% and sample CV is 50%.
Should I choose sample or population mode?
Use population mode when the values represent the entire population of interest. Use sample mode when estimating variability from a sample; it requires at least two values and divides squared deviations by n − 1.
Can I enter negative values or zeros?
This calculator accepts non-negative data only. Individual zeros are allowed when the mean is positive. All-zero data is rejected because division by a zero mean is undefined.
When is CV useful?
CV compares relative spread for ratio-scale measurements with a meaningful zero. It is unsuitable for Celsius or Fahrenheit temperatures. A mean near zero can make CV very large, and no single percentage is universally good or bad.
Is my data uploaded?
No. Up to 10000 values are processed locally in your browser, with results displayed to 12 significant digits. Copy and reset controls are provided.