Variance A measure of the dispersion of a set of data points around their mean value. Variance is a mathematical expectation of the average squared deviations from the mean. Investopedia Says: Variance measures the variability (volatility) from an average. Volatility is a measure of risk, so this statistic can help determine the risk an investor might take on when purchasing a specific security. Related Terms: Coefficient Of Variation Ex-Post Risk Heteroskedasticity Mean Risk Semivariance Standard Deviation Variance Swap Volatility Volatility Swap |