In this article, we will learn How to use the LINEST function in Excel.
Equation of line:
If there is a single range of x-values, the calculated line satisfies the simple straight line equation:
y = mx + b
where,
If there are multiple ranges of x-values, the line of best fit satisfies the following equation:
y = m1x1 + m2x2 + ... + b
where,
LINEST function in Excel
The Excel LINEST function returns statistical information on the line of best fit, through a supplied set of x- and y- values.
The basic statistical information returned is the array of constants, mn, mn-1, ... , b for the equation:
y = m1x1 + m2x2 + ... + b
or, for a single range of x values, the function returns the constants m and b for the straight line equation:
y = mx + b.
Syntax :
| =LINEST( known_y's, [known_x's], [const], [stats] ) |
Known_y's : array of known y-values.
Known_x's] : array of one or more sets of known x-values.
Const : constant 'b' is treated in the equation y = m1x1 + m2x2 + ... + b.
TRUE (or omitted) : constant b is treated normally;
FALSE : constant b is set to have the value 0.
Stats : An optional logical argument which specifies whether or not you want the function to return additional regression statistics on the line of best fit.
TRUE : returns additional regression statistics.
FALSE (or omitted) : Doesn't return additional regression statistics.
As the Linest function returns an array of values, it must be entered as an array formula. If the function is not entered as an array formula, only the first 'm' value in the calculated array of statistical information will be displayed in your spreadsheet.
You can see if a function has been input as an array formula, as curly brackets will be inserted around the formula, as it is viewed in the formula bar. This can be seen in the examples below.
Example :
All of these might be confusing to understand. Let's understand how to use the function using an example. Here Cells A2-A11, B2-B11 and C2-C11 of the spreadsheet below contain three different sets of independent variables (known x values), and cells D2-D11 of the spreadsheet contain the associated known y-values. Cells F1-H3 of the spreadsheet show the results of the Excel Linest function, which has been used to return statistical information relating to the line of best fit through these points.
As shown in the formula bar, the formula for the Linest function in this case is:
| =LINEST( D2:D11, A2:C11, TRUE, TRUE ) |
Once again, the curly brackets around the function show that it has been entered as an array formula.
Cells F1-I1 give the values of the coefficients, m3, m2 and m1 as 3.874869212, 2.027512015 and 4.049870099, respectively and the y-intercept, b as 5.710012148. Therefore, the equation for the line of best fit through the given points is:
y = 4.049870099 x1 + 2.027512015 x2 + 3.874869212 x3 + 5.710012148
The remaining cells in the range F1-I5 give the following additional statistics for this curve:
Here are all the observational notes using the formula in Excel
Notes :
Hope this article about How to use the LINEST function in Excel is explanatory. Find more articles on calculating values and related Excel formulas here. If you liked our blogs, share it with your friends on Facebook. And also you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook. We would love to hear from you, do let us know how we can improve, complement or innovate our work and make it better for you. Write to us at info@exceltip.com.
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