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Coefficient of Variation Calculator

Compare the spread of data sets that use different units or wildly different averages. Paste your numbers and the tool computes the coefficient of variation, the standard deviation divided by the mean and expressed as a percent, sometimes called the relative standard deviation. Because it is unitless, a CV lets you say whether monthly rainfall is more variable than daily temperature, or whether one investment is riskier per unit of return than another. A low CV means the values cluster tightly around the mean, while a high CV signals a wide relative spread. The tool reports the CV using the sample standard deviation, alongside the mean and standard deviation so you can see the inputs. Note that the CV is only meaningful for data measured on a ratio scale with a positive mean. All math is done locally in your browser.

How to use Coefficient of Variation Calculator

  1. Paste your data set.
  2. Submit to calculate.
  3. Read the coefficient of variation as a percentage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the coefficient of variation?

The CV is the standard deviation expressed as a percent of the mean, showing relative spread regardless of scale.

Why use the CV instead of standard deviation?

The CV lets you compare the spread of data sets with different units or very different averages.

When is the CV not meaningful?

When the mean is near zero the CV becomes unstable and can be misleading, so it works best with positive data.

What is Coefficient of Variation Calculator?

Compare the spread of data sets that use different units or wildly different averages. Paste your numbers and the tool computes the coefficient of variation, the standard deviation divided by the mean and expressed as a percent, sometimes called the relative standard deviation.

Is Coefficient of Variation Calculator free to use?

Yes. Coefficient of Variation Calculator is completely free, with no sign-up and no usage limits.

Does Coefficient of Variation Calculator work in a web browser?

Yes. Coefficient of Variation Calculator runs in any modern web browser. There is nothing to download or install.

Is my data private with Coefficient of Variation Calculator?

Yes. Coefficient of Variation Calculator runs entirely on your device in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded to a server.