In this article, we'll share a straightforward method for calculating standard deviation on the TI-84 graphing calculator. This important statistical measure shows how your data is distributed in relation to the mean. By using the 1-var-stats option, you can obtain various statistical data including the mean, sum, and standard deviation for both a sample and a population.

Part 1

Step 1. Press the STAT button

Step 1

Start by pressing the STAT button located in the third column of your calculator.

Step 2. Select the Edit option

Step 2

Choose the Edit option and press ↵ Enter. This is the first option in the menu. The screen will display columns L1 through L6. Keep in mind that on the TI-84, you can enter up to six different data sets.

Step 3. Clear data from the columns

Step 3

If there is existing data in some columns, you need to clear it. To do this:

  • Use the arrow keys to navigate to column L1 (the first column).
  • Press ⎚ Clear.
  • Confirm by pressing ↵ Enter.
  • Repeat these steps for the other columns.

Step 4. Enter data into column L1

Step 4

Now enter your data into column L1. After each entry, confirm by pressing ↵ Enter.

Step 5. Press the STAT button again

Step 5

Press the STAT button again to return to the main menu.

Step 6. Navigate to the CALC tab

Step 6

Press the right arrow button to move to the CALC tab located at the top of the screen.

Step 7. Select 1-Var Stats

Step 7

Select the 1-Var Stats option and confirm by pressing ↵ Enter.

Step 8. Press 2ND

Step 8

Press 2ND, then select 1 to specify column L1. This step is necessary if you have a TI-84 Plus model and there is no “L1” next to “List.” If you entered data in different columns and want to select another, simply press the button with the number of the desired column. For example, for data in column L4, press 2ND and then 4.

  • In regular models (without “Plus”), you can skip this step as results will display automatically.

Step 9. Choose Calculate

Step 9

Press Calculate and confirm by pressing ↵ Enter. The standard deviation for your data set will appear on the screen.

Step 10. Find the standard deviation value

Step 10

Locate the standard deviation in the rows labeled Sx or σx. These are the 4th and 5th rows in the list; you may need to scroll down to see them.

  • The Sx row shows the standard deviation for a sample, while the σx row shows it for the entire population. Choose the appropriate value based on what you are analyzing.
  • The smaller the standard deviation, the less your data deviates from the mean.
  • The x̄ row displays the mean of your data.
  • The Σx row indicates the sum of all entered data.