Predict Forward or Backward with a Trendline

To predict a trend based on available data (also known as regression analysis), add a trendline to the data series. Select the data series, and then click Add Trendline (Chart menu). Specify the trendline type you want; on the Options tab, you can display a trendline label with the line equation, the R-squared value, or both.

The trendline belongs to the data series   A trendline is calculated from the values in the associated data series. If you delete or move the data series, the trendline is also deleted or moved. If you want to change the type of trendline you use, double-click the line and then make your change in the Format Trendline dialog box. Modify the trendline   You can change the trendline’s type (for example, from linear to polynomial), change its color or line style, give it a name, or add a label. Double-click the line, and then make the changes you want in the Format Trendline dialog box. Format the trendline label   You work with a trendline label like any other data label: by double-clicking it. Then you can change the font, change the way numbers are displayed, or add a border or background color. To move the label, select it and then drag it to the new location. Use trendlines with other chart types   You can add trendlines to 2-D bar, column, and line charts, but not to 3-D charts. Use a moving average trendline   All types of trendlines are useful for business data. For more information, see Create a Sales Forecast.

Chart Tips Make it Easier to Identify Chart Elements

When you rest the pointer over a chart item, you can see the name and value of the item in a tip. Turn chart tips on or off by selecting or clearing the Show names and Show values options on the Chart tab of the Options dialog box (Tools menu).

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Want to know more?   Look up Getting Results - Scientific Data in Help.