# Alternatives to Coefficient of variation

I have a set of temperature datasets all from different products. I wish to calculate the variation in the products. I have tried using coefficient of variation. But because the temperature data varies from say 20-40 deg C, the mean would be high and standard deviation low, the coefficient of variation is very low. I wish to know an alternative in this case to give a proper representation.

It would be great if you can help.

Ex. 27.2 30.4 30.4 31.0 31.9 35.2
Mean:31.0;
SD=2.6; CV=8.4

• Dear Keerthi, maybe you can explain why you think the fact that the coefficient of variation is low is a problem? Also, usually, the coefficient of variation is defined as $\dfrac{\sigma}{\mu}$, so in your example would be $\dfrac{2.6}{31} = 0.083$. For some reason, you seem to use that value multiplied by 100. Also, the wikipedia page on coefficient of variation cautions using them with interval data, the example use temperatures. – Antoine Vernet Aug 19 '16 at 8:09
• Thank you Vernet! yes i am multiplying it by 100 to just give it as a percentage. I have used the same method to calculate the CV for precipitation as well.. and in my case the CV for precipitation should be lower than that for temperature. Which I am unable to achieve. – Keerthi Aug 20 '16 at 3:47