1. What is Coefficient of Variation?

The Coefficient of Variation (CV) is a standardized measure of dispersion of a probability distribution or frequency distribution. It is often expressed as a percentage and is defined as the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the CV formula:

Where:

• \( \sigma \) — Standard deviation
• \( \mu \) — Mean

Explanation: The CV shows the extent of variability in relation to the mean of the population. Lower CV indicates less variability relative to the mean, while higher CV indicates greater variability.

3. Importance of CV Calculation

Details: CV is particularly useful when comparing the degree of variation from one data series to another, even if the means are drastically different from each other. It's commonly used in analytical chemistry, engineering, physics, and other fields.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter standard deviation and mean values in the same units. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good coefficient of variation?
A: Generally, a CV < 10% is considered low, 10-20% moderate, and >20% high variability, but this depends on the field of study.

Q2: Why use CV instead of standard deviation?
A: CV is unitless and allows comparison between datasets with different units or widely different means.

Q3: Can CV be negative?
A: No, since both standard deviation and mean are always positive in this calculation, CV is always positive.

Q4: What are limitations of CV?
A: CV shouldn't be used when the mean is close to zero, as it can become very large and misleading.

Q5: Is CV the same as RSD?
A: Yes, Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) is just another name for Coefficient of Variation.