How to Create a Polynomial Trendline in Excel – 2 Methods

In the dataset below, the Total Revenue amounts depend on multiple conditions. To insert a polynomial trendline:

Polynomial and Its Expression

Polynomials are expressions containing variables (i.e., x and y) and coefficients (i.e.,a₀,a₂.. etc.); the expressions allow Arithmetic Operators and positive integer exponentiation. A typical Polynomial Expression is

a₀+a₁x+a₂x²+…+a_n-1x^n-1+a_nxⁿ

Method 1 – Using the Chart Elements Option to Insert a Polynomial Trendline

Step 1:

• Select the columns in the dataset and go to Insert.
• Click a Chart type. Here, Insert Scatter or Bubble Chart.

Step 2:

• Click the chart.
• Click on the Plus Icon > Arrow Icon beside Trendline > More Options.

You can also add the trendline by clicking the Chart > Chart Design > Add Chart Element (in Chart Layouts) > Trendline.

Step 3:

• In the Format Trendline window, select Polynomial and enter 4 in Order.

You can display the polynomial equation on the Chart.

• Format the Chart:

Method 2 – Using a Polynomial Formula to Create a Trendline

Step 1:

• Enter the random constant values as shown in the picture below.

Step 2:

• Copy the following formula into G4.

In the formula: C4 = a₀ C5= a₁ C6= a₂  C7= a₃  C8= a₄

Step 3:

• Press ENTER.
• Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

Step 4:

• Repeat Steps 1 to 3 in Method 1 to insert a Column Chart and a Trendline.

This is the output.

Read More: How to Create Trend Chart in Excel

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