
Trendlines help you see an overall picture of data over time. They can even be used to forecast future trends and make predictions.
Choose a Trendline
Trendlines aren’t available with all types of charts. However, if you are using an area, bar, line, column, stock, scatter, or bubble chart that’s 2-dimentional, a trendline can be applied. There are six different types available. Use the table below to determine the right type of trendline for your chart and data.
Chart Types in Excel | |
---|---|
Exponential | Exponential trendlines work only for data sets with positive values. They’re best for data that increases or decreases at a quick rate. |
Linear | Linear trendlines are best for simple sets of data where the data points are in a line that increase or decrease at a steady rate. |
Logarithmic | If your data increases or decreases quickly and then evens out, a logarithmic trendline is the best to use. They are curved trendlines and can be used for charts with both positive and negative values. |
Polynomial | Polynomial trendlines are curved lines for data with positive values. Use these if your data set fluctuates and you need to assess the ups and downs of a large set of data. |
Power | Power trendlines are also curved lines for data with positive values. If your data increases at a specific rate, power trendlines are the best to use. |
Moving Average | If your data has large fluctuations, a moving average trendline is best. They help neutralize variations to give you a better idea of the underlying trend. |
Add a Trendline
- Select the chart where you want to add a trendline.
- Click the Design tab.
- Click Add Chart Element.
- Select Trendline.
- Select the type of trendline you want to apply to the chart.
Edit a Trendline
If the trendline doesn’t give you all the information you need, there are some ways you can modify it.
- Right-click the trendline.
- Select Format Trendline.
The Format Trendline pane opens on the right. Here, you can modify the settings for the current trendline, change the trendline type, and control formatting options.
- Modify the trendline options to suit your needs.
- Click the Format Trendline pane's Close button.
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