Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Adding Standard Deviation Bars to graphs

Hello, I searched to find the answer to my question, but when I tried a few of the methods, it would not let me put any values into the data range of the positive/negative value range.

I am wondering how to add standard deviation error bars to my bar graph. The bar graph contains 5 columns, each with its own mean and set of data. It therefore needs to have a custom standard deviation for each bar. I am having trouble applying the custom standard deviation error bar to a single column. The same error bar is being added to all 5 columns. How can customize each column to have its own standard deviation error bar? Thank you.

MacBook Pro, n/a

Posted on Mar 6, 2011 6:47 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Mar 6, 2011 7:49 AM

Alexa,

I see you've returned to the Standard Deviation subject that you first asked about in December.

The big picture is that you have several sets of data that you have summarized. Your summary includes an average or an estimate of the mean and a standard deviation calculation for each data set.

Now you have a series (range) of cells that contains the average or mean and a series that contains the standard deviation calculations. I also assume that you have a header row or column that has your labels.

Select the range with the averages and Chart it. Select the series in the chart and in the Chart Inspector go to the Series Tab and expand the Advanced menu. Click the Error Bars tab and choose Positive and Negative. Change Fixed Value to Custom. Delete the default number in the Positive field and then click on the cell range label for the standard deviation in your table. Do the same for the Negative field.

That is the whole deal. If you have any problems, let us know.

Jerry
16 replies

Adding Standard Deviation Bars to graphs

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.