Enter a data set once, then calculate descriptive statistics without retyping every value.
1Enter and clear list data
2Run 1-Var Stats
3Interpret σx and Sx
Worked example
Follow the example values and compare your calculator display with the expected result shown below.
Enter data in a list
STAT→1:Edit
Enter 4, 6, 8, 8, 9 down column L1, pressing ENTER after each value.
To clear an old list: move the cursor onto the list name L1, press CLEAR, then ENTER. Do not press DEL on the list name unless you intend to remove the list from the editor.
Run 1-Var Stats
STAT→CALC→1:1-Var Stats→2nd→1 (L1)→ENTER
x̄ = 7
Σx = 35
n = 5
minX = 4
Med = 8
maxX = 9
Interpret the results
Symbol
Meaning
x̄
Mean
Σx
Sum
Σx²
Sum of squared data values
Sx
Sample standard deviation
σx
Population standard deviation
Q1, Med, Q3
Quartiles and median
For the example: mean = 7, median = 8, population standard deviation ≈ 1.79, sample standard deviation = 2.
Troubleshooting
ERR: DIM MISMATCH
Lists used together may contain different numbers of entries.
No quartiles shown
Scroll down through the results screen.
Wrong standard deviation
Choose Sx for a sample and σx for a complete population.
Old values included
Clear L1 and re-enter the current data set.
Practice
Enter 2, 3, 3, 7, 10. Find the mean.
Reveal the answer
The sum is 25 and n = 5, so the mean is 5.
Practice with the calculator open
Use the guide in one tab and the calculator in another.
Editorial note: This guide is independently written for classroom practice and was reviewed against the TI-84 Plus CE guidebook. Button labels and menu availability can vary by model and operating-system version.
Last reviewed: July 17, 2026
Learning standard: worked example, expected result, troubleshooting and practice.
Use the probability menu for combinations, permutations and random-number commands. For a binomial model, identify the number of trials, probability of success and the requested outcome before choosing an exact or cumulative command.
Example: combinations
To calculate the number of ways to choose 3 objects from 8, enter 8 nCr 3. The result is 56.
Check before calculating
Confirm that probabilities are between 0 and 1.
Use cumulative probability only when the question asks for “at most,” “up to” or a range.
Interpret the result in the context of the problem.
Printable resources
Download a classroom copy
Use these print-ready copies in class, for homework or offline study.
