2 Ways to Find Standard Deviation on a TI-84 Calculator

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Compute standard deviation in seconds with this step-by-step guide

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: May 29, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Using 1-Variable or 2-Variable Statistics
|
• Using the stdDev Function
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Do you need to calculate the standard deviation for a list of numbers? Your TI-84 or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator makes it quick and easy to find out how much your data varies from the mean (average). We'll show you how to use the 1 or 2-var-stats option to calculate various statistics, including the mean, sum, and both the sample (sx) and population (σx) standard deviations in one step. We'll also show you how to find the standard deviation for one or more data lists using the stdDev function.

Find Standard Deviation on a TI-84: Quick Steps

1. Open lists by pressing STAT and selecting 1: Edit.
2. Enter values into the L1 column, pressing Enter after each value.
3. Press STAT to return to the menu.
4. Select the CALC tab and choose 1-Var Stats.
5. Press 2ND, then press 1 to select the L1 column.
6. Select Calculate.
7. Find the standard deviation next to "Sx" for a sample and "σx" for a population.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using 1-Variable or 2-Variable Statistics

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1. 
   1
   Press the STAT button on your calculator. It's in the third column of keys.
2. 
   2
   Select the Edit menu and press ↵ Enter. It's the first option on the menu. You will see columns (lists) labeled L1 through L6. [Image:Find Standard Deviation on the TI–84 Step 2 Version 3.jpg|center]]

   Note: The TI-84 allows you to enter up to six different lists of data sets.

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3. 
   3
   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.
4. 
   4
   Enter your data set into the L1 column. Press the ↵ Enter key after each value.

   • If you want to calculate 2-variable statistics, enter values into L2 as well.
5. 
   5
   Press the STAT button to return to the menu.
6. 
   6
   Press the right-arrow to switch to the CALC tab. It's the second menu tab at the top of the screen.
7. 
   7
   Select 1-Var Stats and press ↵ Enter.

   • If you entered data into L2, select 2:2-Var Stats instead.
8. 
   8
   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 the standard deviation for the values you entered in L4, press the 2ND and then 4.
9. 
   9
   Select Calculate and press ↵ Enter. The TI-84 will now display standard deviation calculations for the set of values.
10. 
    10
    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.
    • 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.
    • x̄ represents the mean, or average, of the values.
    • Σx represents the sum of all values.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using the stdDev Function

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1. 
   1
   Press the 2ND button and then LIST. If you prefer, you can use the stdDev() function on your TI-84 calculator to find standard deviation of one or more lists. This process is somewhat similar to entering a formula in Microsoft Excel.
2. 
   2
   Press the right-arrow twice to switch to the MATH tab. It's the third menu tab at the top of the screen.
3. 
   3
   Select the stdDev function. To do so, scroll down to 7:stdDev( and press ↵ Enter.
4. 
   4
   Type a formula that includes your list of numbers. For example, let's say you want to find the standard deviation of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 8:

   • Press 2ND and enter {.
   • Type 5,4,3,2,8.
   • Press 2ND and enter }.
   • End the formula with ).
   • In this example, the formula will now look like stdDev({5,4,3,2,8})
   • If you want to find the standard deviation of 2 lists, type a comma after the first list, followed by the second list in curly brackets. E.g., stdDev({5,4,3,2,8},{1,2,3,4,5})
5. 
   5
   Press ↵ Enter to find the standard deviation of the list. If you entered 2 lists, the standard deviation of the two lists.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  I deleted L1, how can I revert it back?

  

  Venatrixx

  Community Answer

  There is no way to revert lists. Unfortunately, you'll just have to enter the data again.

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• Question

  How do I find the variance with a TI-84 Plus?

  

  Community Answer

  There directly is no variance key on this calculator. However, to find the variance on a TI-84 Plus, calculate the standard deviation of your data set, then square that value.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  What if the standard deviation comes up blank, with Sx showing nothing?

  

  David Reynolds

  Community Answer

  If the standard deviation calculation results in a blank or undefined value, there are a few potential reasons to consider. It could be due to a lack of data points or all data points being identical, as standard deviation measures the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values. It might also result from computational errors or incorrect application of the standard deviation formula. You should review the data set and the calculation process to identify and correct any issues.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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