Coefficient of Variation (CV = σ / μ) Calculator
The Coefficient of Variation (CV), or Relative Standard Deviation (RSD), normalizes dispersion by expressing standard deviation σ as a percentage of the mean μ: CV = (σ / μ) × 100.
Relative standard deviation in percent
Dispersion in the same units as the mean
Positive arithmetic mean of the dataset
Step-by-Step Calculation
The Coefficient of Variation (CV), or Relative Standard Deviation (RSD), normalizes dispersion by expressing standard deviation σ as a percentage of the mean μ: CV = (σ / μ) × 100.
Real-World Reference Values
Clinical chemistry and HPLC precision standard
ACI 214 batch quality control rating
Exponential distribution has CV = 100% exactly
20-Row Comparison Table
Coefficient of Variation (CV (%)) · Standard Deviation (σ)
| # | Standard Deviation (σ) | Coefficient of Variation (CV (%)) | Δ % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 5 Current | 12.5 | 0.00% |
| 02 | 723.9568 | 1,809.89 | +14379.14% |
| 03 | 1,447.90 | 3,619.76 | +28858.07% |
| 04 | 2,171.85 | 5,429.63 | +43337.01% |
| 05 | 2,895.80 | 7,239.49 | +57815.94% |
| 06 | 3,619.74 | 9,049.36 | +72294.88% |
| 07 | 4,343.69 | 10,859.23 | +86773.81% |
| 08 | 5,067.64 | 12,669.09 | +101252.75% |
| 09 | 5,791.58 | 14,478.96 | +115731.68% |
| 10 | 6,515.53 | 16,288.83 | +130210.62% |
| 11 | 7,239.48 | 18,098.69 | +144689.55% |
| 12 | 7,963.42 | 19,908.56 | +159168.49% |
| 13 | 8,687.37 | 21,718.43 | +173647.42% |
| 14 | 9,411.32 | 23,528.30 | +188126.36% |
| 15 | 10,135.26 | 25,338.16 | +202605.30% |
| 16 | 10,859.21 | 27,148.03 | +217084.23% |
| 17 | 11,583.16 | 28,957.90 | +231563.17% |
| 18 | 12,307.11 | 30,767.76 | +246042.10% |
| 19 | 13,031.05 | 32,577.63 | +260521.04% |
| 20 | 13,755.00 | 34,387.50 | +274999.97% |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use Coefficient of Variation instead of Standard Deviation?+
Use CV when comparing the variability of datasets measured in different physical units (e.g., kg vs cm) or with vastly different means.
Why should CV only be used on ratio-scale data?+
Because μ sits in the denominator, CV requires a meaningful non-arbitrary zero point (such as Kelvin, weight, or price, not Celsius).
How is CV related to the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)?+
Coefficient of variation is the exact reciprocal of the statistical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR = μ / σ = 100 / CV%).