# >> Continuing Education >> Be Self Taught

How to Calculate RSD Percent

In the field of probability and statistics, relative standard deviation (RSD), also known as the coefficient of variance, measures the precision of the average taken from a data set. The RSD is typically presented as a percentage. When comparing two RSDs, the smaller RSD indicates less variance in the set, and in a scientific setting it typically indicates more accurate measurement.

Instructions

- 1
  Calculate the standard deviation for your data set. For more help obtaining this calculation, see the Resources section.
- 2
  Calculate the average of your data set. The average is found by adding every unit in your data set and dividing by the number of units.
- 3
  Multiply the standard deviation (found in Step 1) by 100.
- 4
  Divide the product found in Step 3 by the average found in Step 2.
- 5
  Add a percentage sign to the result of Step 4. This is your relative standard deviation.

Interactive Polynomial Games

Radian Measurement Defined

Be Self Taught