Do you need to calculate the standard deviation for a list of numbers? Your TI-84 standard or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator makes it quick and easy find out how much your data varies from the mean (average). We'll show you how to use the 1-var-stats option to calculate various statistics, including the mean , sum, and both the sample (sx) and population (σx) standard deviations in one step.
How to Use the TI-84 for Standard Deviation
Open lists by pressing STAT , Edit , then ↵ Enter . Enter your values into the L1 column, then press STAT and right arrow to enter the CALC tab. Select 1-Var stats, then press 2ND and 1 , then select Calculate on the menu. The standard deviation will show up next to Sx for a sample and σx for a population.
Steps
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Press the STAT button on your calculator. It's in the third column of keys.
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Select the Edit menu and press ↵ Enter . It's the first option on the menu. You will see columns (lists) labeled L1 through L6.
Note: The TI-84 allows you to enter up to six different lists of data sets.
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Clear existing data from the lists. If there's already data in any of the columns, use these steps to remove it before you continue:
- Use the arrow keys to navigate to L1 (the first column).
- Press ⎚ Clear .
- Press ↵ Enter .
- Repeat for other lists with data.
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Enter your data set into the L1 column. Press the ↵ Enter key after each value.
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Press the STAT button to return to the menu.
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Press the right-arrow to switch to the CALC tab. It's the second menu tab at the top of the screen.
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Select 1-Var Stats and press ↵ Enter .
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Press the 2ND button and then 1 to select L1. You'll only need to do this if you have a T1-84 Plus model and don't already see "L1" next to "List."
- Some non-plus models may skip this screen and display your results automatically.
Tip: If you created multiple lists and want to select a different one, press the number that corresponds with that column. For example, if you want standard deviation for the values you entered in L4, press the 2ND and then 4 .
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Select Calculate and press ↵ Enter . The TI-84 will now display standard deviation calculations for the set of values.
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Find the standard deviation value next to Sx or σx . These should be the 4th and 5th results in the list. You may have to scroll down to view both values.
- Sx shows the standard deviation for a sample, while σx shows the standard deviation for a population. The value you'll use depends on whether you used data from a sample or a full population. [1] X Research source
- A lower standard deviation value means that the values in your list don't vary much from the mean, while a higher value means your data is more spread out. [2] X Research source
- x̄ represents the mean, or average, of the values.
- Σx represents the sum of all values.
Community Q&A
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QuestionI deleted L1, how can I revert it back?VenatrixxCommunity AnswerThere is no way to revert lists. Unfortunately, you'll just have to enter the data again.
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QuestionHow do I use a TI-84 Plus calculator?LinnieTop AnswererTo understand how to use a TI-84 Plus calculator, check out Use a TI‐84 Calculator (Plus, Silver and C Editions) .
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QuestionMy calculator L stars at L3, how can I change it to L1?Kyce AbdallahCommunity AnswerJust press 2 and 1 and that should fix it. If that doesn't work, then just reset your calculator.
Video
Tips
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About This Article
1. Press STAT
.
2. Select Edit
.
3. Clear existing list data.
4. Enter data into L1.
5. Press STAT
.
6. Go to the CALC
menu.
7. Select 1-Var-Stats
.
8. Select the L1 column.
9. Select Calculate
.