How to show the equation of a line in Microsoft Excel

By SpreadCheaters
Page last updated: 11/06/2023 | Next review date: 11/06/2025
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To show the equation of a line in Microsoft Excel, you can display the mathematical equation that represents the line of best fit for a set of data points in a chart. Excel’s trendline feature can generate this equation by calculating the slope and y-intercept of the line from the given data and displaying the equation in the chart.

In this tutorial, we will learn how to show the equation of a line in Microsoft Excel. In Microsoft Excel, there is a built-in option that displays the equation of a slope that we can utilize for this purpose. 

let’s say we have a chart that displays a trend line representing the total revenue generated by a company over a decade. Our objective is to show the equation of the Trendline.

Method 1: Utilizing the “Display Equation on Chart” Option

Step 1 – Select the Chart

  • Select the Chart by clicking anywhere on it.
  • A green plus sign will appear at the upper-right corner of the chart.

Step 2 – Perform a Click on the Chart Elements Plus Sign

  • Perform a Click on the Chart Elements plus sign.

Step 3 – Locate “More Options” for the Trendline

  • Locate “More Options” for the trendline.

Step 4 – Check the  “Display Equation on Chart” Option

  • In the Format Trendline pane locate the “Display Equation on Chart” option and check the box prior to it.
  • The equation will appear on the Trendline in the chart.

Method 2: Utilizing the Chart Design Tab

Step 1 – Choose the Chart

  • Choose the chart by clicking anywhere on the chart to activate the “Chart Design” tab.

Step 2 – Locate the Chart Design Tab

  • Locate the Chart Design tab.

Step 3 – Locate “More Trendline Options” in the Drop-down Menu

  • Perform a click on the Add Chart Element option.
  • Choose the Trendline option.
  • Perform a click on “More Trendline Options” in the side menu.

Step 4 – Check the  “Display Equation on Chart” Option

  • In the Format Trendline pane locate the “Display Equation on Chart” option and check the box prior to it.
  • The equation will appear on the Trendline in the chart.