The Sample Covariance

Hi again! I want to calculate the sample covariance but the only formula I
can find is COVAR and that formula seems to calculate the population
covariance which differs slightly.

Is there a ready made formula for sample covariance?

If not, I need so summarize the products between each pair of observations
after deducting their mean respectively. I understand that for a "simple
product" you can use an array formula like {=sum(B3:B6*C3:C6)} However, I
need to subtract the mean first from each pair....I tried with
{=sum((B3-$B$10)B6-$B$10)*(C3-$C$10)C6-$C$10))}

Well, didn't really beleive in it...but thought it was worth trying. Any
better suggestions?

Regards,

/Lars

I agree, it is surprising that Excel does not have a sample covariance
funtion, but why would you want to calculate it from scratch?

Why not just calculate COVAR*n/(n-1) ?

Jerry

Lars F wrote:

> Hi again! I want to calculate the sample covariance but the only formula I
> can find is COVAR and that formula seems to calculate the population
> covariance which differs slightly.
>
> Is there a ready made formula for sample covariance?
>
> If not, I need so summarize the products between each pair of observations
> after deducting their mean respectively. I understand that for a "simple
> product" you can use an array formula like {=sum(B3:B6*C3:C6)} However, I
> need to subtract the mean first from each pair....I tried with
> {=sum((B3-$B$10)B6-$B$10)*(C3-$C$10)C6-$C$10))}
>
> Well, didn't really beleive in it...but thought it was worth trying. Any
> better suggestions?
>
> Regards,
>
> /Lars