This paper proposes a new performance criterion of ’covariance’ for sampled-data systems. A covariance of sampled-data systems is defined by taking account of inter-sample behaviour. An SCA (state covariance assignment) problem for sampled-data feedback control systems is also discussed, which is the counterpart of that for purely continuous or discrete-time feedback control systems. The SCA problem for sampled-data systems will be solved as a discrete-time SCA problem, where the discretization preserves the state covariance and is in two steps. In the first step, a certain sample time performance is required to ensure the inter-sample performance, and the output signal results to be discretized. The second step is to discretize the input signal.