How to Show Equation in an Excel Graph (with Easy Steps)

The dataset, Sales Report of ABC Traders, has 2 columns indicating Days and Sales. We will look at 3 easy steps for showing equations in an Excel graph.

Step 1: Insert a Scatter Chart

Select the data table ranging from B5 to C12.

Go to the Insert tab in your Toolbar.
Select the Scatter Plot. Select the first option.

You will find your graph like the one below.

Step 2: Add a Trendline in the Graph

Click on the graph.
Select the “+” icon on the right side of the graph.
Select the options Axis Title, Chart Title & Trendline.
Go to the More Options to add the equation.

After changing the Titles, your graph will be just like the one given below.

A window will pop up on the right side of the graph after clicking more options.
Select the icon indicated in the next picture.
Scroll down to the options.
Select the Display Equation on Chart.

Step 3: Show Equation from the Format Trendline Command

You will find the graph with equations like the one below.

Change the trendline option from Linear to Exponential.
Select the Display Equation on Chart.

You can see the result just like the one given below.

Select the Logarithmic option and Select the Display Equation on Chart.

You will find the graph just like the one given below.

Select the Polynomial and Set the Order 3.
Select the option Display Equation on chart.

You will find a graph like the one below.

Things to Remember

In this example, as my dataset represents a linear equation, the equation found in the chart is linear. However, you will find a non-linear equation if your trendline becomes nonlinear.

Download the Practice Workbook

Download the practice workbook and practice yourself.

Equations in Excel Graph.xlsx