Definition A measure of how spread out values are around the average.
Example Values of 2, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 7 and 9 have a mean of 5 and a standard deviation of 2.
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Why it matters It shows how consistent or variable results are.
Where it is used Statistical reports and quality analysis.
How to calculate it √(Sum of (each value − mean)² ÷ number of values)
Worked example Values of 2, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 7 and 9 have a mean of 5 and a standard deviation of 2.
