The Corrected Variance Calculator is a statistical tool used to measure the spread or dispersion of data in a dataset. It adjusts for bias in the estimation of variance, particularly when working with a sample instead of a population. Corrected variance ensures that the variance reflects the true variability of the data by accounting for degrees of freedom, making it a critical metric in statistical analysis.
This calculator is essential for researchers, data analysts, and professionals who need precise statistical insights.
Formula of Corrected Variance Calculator
There are two formulas for corrected variance, depending on whether the dataset represents a sample or an entire population:
For Sample Variance:
corrected_variance = sum((data_point – mean)²) / (number_of_data_points – 1)
For Population Variance:
corrected_variance = sum((data_point – mean)²) / number_of_data_points
Detailed Formula Components:
- data_point:
Each individual value in the dataset. - mean:
The average value of the dataset, calculated as:
mean = sum_of_all_data_points / number_of_data_points - number_of_data_points:
- For a sample, subtract 1 from the total count to account for degrees of freedom.
- For a population, use the total count as is.
- sum((data_point – mean)²):
The sum of the squared differences between each data point and the mean. - corrected_variance:
Reflects the spread of the data, expressed in squared units of the original dataset.
Pre-Calculated Table
This table shows pre-calculated variances for common datasets to save time and aid understanding:
Dataset (Values) | Mean (Average) | Sum of Squared Differences | Number of Data Points | Corrected Variance (Sample) | Corrected Variance (Population) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10, 12, 14, 16, 18 | 14 | 40 | 5 | 10 | 8 |
8, 10, 10, 12, 14 | 10.8 | 15.2 | 5 | 3.8 | 3.04 |
20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 | 25 | 70 | 6 | 14 | 11.67 |
Example of Corrected Variance Calculator
Scenario:
A sample dataset includes the following values: 4, 8, 6, 10, and 12. Calculate the corrected variance.
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Calculate the mean:
mean = (4 + 8 + 6 + 10 + 12) / 5
mean = 40 / 5 = 8 - Find the squared differences:
- (4 – 8)² = 16
- (8 – 8)² = 0
- (6 – 8)² = 4
- (10 – 8)² = 4
- (12 – 8)² = 16
- Calculate the corrected variance:
For a sample:
corrected_variance = 40 / (5 – 1)
corrected_variance = 40 / 4 = 10
Result:
The corrected variance is 10.
Most Common FAQs
Corrected variance is crucial for providing an unbiased estimate of the true variance in a population, especially when working with sample data.
No, variance is always a non-negative value because it is derived from squared differences, which are always positive or zero.
Variance is widely used in fields such as finance (to measure risk), quality control, and scientific research to assess data consistency.