Microsoft KB Archive/215706

= The Covariance analysis tool returns a different value in Excel 2000 than it does in Excel 97 =

Article ID: 215706

Article Last Modified on 12/1/2004

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 2000 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Excel 97 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q215706



SYMPTOMS
Using the same data in each case, the Microsoft Excel 2000 Covariance analysis tool returns a different value than does the same tool in Excel 97.



CAUSE
This behavior occurs because Excel 97 incorrectly uses 1/(1-n) instead of 1/n in the covariance equation. Excel 2000 correctly uses 1/n.



RESOLUTION
The value returned by the Covariance analysis tool in Excel 2000 is the correct value.



STATUS
This problem was corrected in Excel 2000.



MORE INFORMATION
The Covariance analysis tool is part of the Analysis ToolPak add-in.

