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Standard deviation and standard error: interpretation, usage and reporting

Petra Macaskill
Med J Aust 2018; 208 (2): . || doi: 10.5694/mja17.00633
Published online: 5 February 2018

Standard deviations (SDs) and standard errors are reported routinely in statistical analyses, but the distinction between them is not always well understood.1,2 Incorrect and also unclear reporting of results adds to the potential for confusion and misinterpretation of these measures.3,4


  • University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW


Series Editors

John Attia

Michael Jones


Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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  • 2. Biau DJ. In brief: standard deviation and standard error. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2011; 469: 2661-2664.
  • 3. Nagele P. Misuse of standard error of the mean (SEM) when reporting variability of a sample. A critical evaluation of four anaesthesia journals. Br J Anaesth 2003; 90: 514-516.
  • 4. Wullschleger M, Aghlmandi S, Egger M, Zwahlen M. High incorrect use of the standard error of the mean (SEM) in original articles in three cardiovascular journals evaluated for 2012. PLoS One 2014; 9: 1-4.
  • 5. Chapman AB, Schwartz GL, Boerwinkle E, Turner ST. Predictors of antihypertensive response to a standard dose of hydrochlorothiazide for essential hypertension. Kidney Int 2002; 61: 1047-1055.
  • 6. Carlin JB, Doyle LW. Basic concepts of statistical reasoning: standard errors and confidence intervals. J Paediatr Child Health 2000; 36: 502-505.
  • 7. Carlin JB, Doyle LW. Basic concepts of statistical reasoning: hypothesis tests and the t-test. J Paediatr Child Health 2001; 37: 72-77.

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