Hello,

I am a novice in Microsoft Excel. I currently am analyzing graphical data
that is analogous to a step function vs. time. Specifically it is a
calibration curve for a biomedical sensor specific to sodium concentration in
solution. Each region of the step curve corresponds to a numerical value
that within a reasonable standard deviation reflects the sodium concentration.

I want to set up my excel spreadsheet to compute averages at each time (and
hence step) interval based on the least fluctuation of the data within a
given range. Right now I have the following organized in separate columns:

Column A: Column B:
Column C:
Step Function Standard Deviation of 5 cells If Col. B
is smallest
previous to corresponding
value within specified
value in column A
range, compute average


I am using the SMALL function to determine the 'smallest' of the standard
deviations within a given range on my graph. This crudely works, but
unfortunately the range varies from one step interval to the next, and hence
I may have multiple calculated smallest values when in fact there is only one.

How can I program Excel to automate the selection of a specific range
dependent on the least data fluctuation? Basically, I want to set up the
spreadsheet to recognize a specific data range (i.e. E1 to Ex, with x
varying with each step interval). From this data range, I can then use the
small function to determine the smallest value.

Thanks in advance. This is very confusing to explain, and I'm more than
welcome to clarify anything.