Coefficient of Variation Calculator
Compares how variable two data sets are when their averages or units differ.
Coefficient of variation, sample
— %
Share sends a link that reopens these numbers. Copy details pastes the full breakdown as a list.
Values read —
Coefficient of variation, population — %
Mean —
Sample standard deviation —
Reading this —
The formula
CV = standard deviation ÷ |mean| × 100%
Dividing by the mean removes the units, so data sets on different scales can be compared.
What to watch out for
A standard deviation of 5 is large on a mean of 10 and small on a mean of 1,000. The coefficient of variation shows that directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a worked example?
A mean of 200 with a standard deviation of 15 gives 7.5%.
What is a good coefficient of variation?
There is no general answer. It depends on what is being measured, so compare it with similar data.