In this article
COVAR returns the population covariance. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends COVARIANCE.P for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=COVAR(array1, array2)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
array1, array2 |
Same-size ranges |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(COVAR(CHOOSE(A2,{10,12,15,18,22},{3,6,2,8,5},{9,7,5,3,1}),{1,2,3,4,5}),3)Result: 6. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use COVARIANCE.P: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
COVAR in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use COVAR
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in COVARIANCE.P for clarity
Worked example
| Case | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | =ROUND(COVAR(CHOOSE(A2,{10,12,15,18,22},{3,6,2,8,5},{9,7,5,3,1}),{1,2,3,4,5}),3) | 6 |
| 2 | =ROUND(COVAR(CHOOSE(A3,{10,12,15,18,22},{3,6,2,8,5},{9,7,5,3,1}),{1,2,3,4,5}),3) | 1.2 |
| 3 | =ROUND(COVAR(CHOOSE(A4,{10,12,15,18,22},{3,6,2,8,5},{9,7,5,3,1}),{1,2,3,4,5}),3) | -4 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as COVARIANCE.P.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using COVAR in new files | Prefer COVARIANCE.P: same result, clearer name, and the function Microsoft keeps improving |
| Mixing old and new names in one model | Pick one style per workbook so formulas are easy to audit |
Related functions
📚 Part of the free Excel course: Beginner → Expert · Try it in the Formula Lab or ask the AI Helper.
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