Calculates the covariance of a dataset.
Sample Usage
COVAR(A2:A100,B2:B100)
Syntax
COVAR(data_y, data_x)
-
data_y
- The range representing the array or matrix of dependent data. -
data_x
- The range representing the array or matrix of independent data.
Notes
-
Any text encountered in the
value
arguments will be ignored. -
Positive covariance indicates that the independent data and dependent data tend to change together in the same direction; negative indicates that they tend to change together in the opposite direction (i.e. increase in one leads to decrease in the other). The magnitude of covariance is difficult to interpret - use
CORREL
orPEARSON
, the normalized version ofCOVAR
, to gauge strength of linear correlation.
See Also
STEYX
: Calculates the standard error of the predicted y-value for each x in the regression of a dataset.
SLOPE
: Calculates the slope of the line resulting from linear regression of a dataset.
RSQ
: Calculates the square of r, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient of a dataset.
INTERCEPT
: Calculates the y-value at which the line resulting from linear regression of a dataset will intersect the y-axis (x=0).
FORECAST
: Calculates the expected y-value for a specified x based on a linear regression of a dataset.
COVAR
: Calculates the covariance of a dataset.
CORREL
: Calculates r, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient of a dataset.