📐 Coefficient of Variation Calculator
Compare relative variability across datasets with different units or means using the coefficient of variation.
📊 Statistics📐 Formula included🧠 Practice questions✓ Free
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Formula and Explanation
Compare relative variability across datasets with different units or means using the coefficient of variation.
| Concept | Formula or rule |
|---|---|
| Coefficient of Variation Calculator | CV = standard deviation ÷ mean × 100% |
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the sample, counts, probabilities, or summary statistics requested above.
- Keep paired lists in the same order and separate values with commas.
- Select the correct test direction or sample/population option when available.
- Press Calculate and interpret the result together with the supporting statistics.
Worked Example
Example: A sample has mean 50 and standard deviation 5.
✓ CV = 5 ÷ 50 × 100% = 10%
Where This Is Used
School & coursework
Check homework, understand formulas, and verify step-by-step statistics exercises.
Research
Explore estimates, uncertainty, distributions, and relationships before using full statistical software.
Business & data analysis
Summarize variation, compare groups, and communicate data-driven findings clearly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Using a mean near zero
CV becomes unstable or misleading when the mean is zero or close to zero.
CV becomes unstable or misleading when the mean is zero or close to zero.
⚠️
Comparing interval scales
CV is most meaningful for ratio-scale measurements with a true zero.
CV is most meaningful for ratio-scale measurements with a true zero.
⚠️
Mixing sample and population standard deviation
Use the version that matches your study design.
Use the version that matches your study design.
Practice Questions
1. Mean 20, SD 2. What is CV?
Answer: 10%
2. Mean 50, SD 15. What is CV?
Answer: 30%
3. Which dataset is more consistent: CV 8% or CV 25%?
Answer: CV 8%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good CV?▾
It depends on the field. A lower CV means less variation relative to the mean.
Can CV exceed 100%?▾
Yes, when the standard deviation is greater than the mean.
Can CV be negative?▾
A negative mean produces a negative raw ratio, but CV is usually reported only for positive ratio-scale data.