How to Calculate Slope and Intercept in Excel – 3 Methods

 

A Slope value describes the relationship between two values, typically the x and y values.

“Intercept” refers to the point where a line crosses the axis of a graph (x or y).

This is the sample dataset.

 sample data to Calculate Slope and Intercept in Excel


Method 1 – Using the SLOPE and INTERCEPT Functions

Use the SLOPE and INTERCEPT functions.

Steps:

  • To calculate the slope, select C16 and enter the following formula:

=SLOPE(C5:C14,B5:B14)

  • Press Enter.
  • You will get the following slope value: 293.93.

use slope function to Calculate Slope in Excel

  • To calculate the intercept, select C17 and enter the following formula:

=INTERCEPT(C5:C14,B5:B14)

  • Press Enter.
  • You will get the following intercept value: -146.666.

Note:

  • In the SLOPE function,  arguments must be numerical. Empty cells or text strings will be disregarded.
  • If a cell contains ‘0,’ it will be used in the calculation.
  • The SLOPE function’ must contain equal ranges for the x and y values. Otherwise, you get a #N/A error.
  • Utilize names, arrays, or references containing integers as parameters.
  • If the known ys and xs have different or no data points, the INTERCEPT returns the #N/A error.

Read More: How to Find the Slope of a Line in Excel


Method 2 – Creating an Excel Scatter Chart to Calculate Slope and Intercept

Steps:

  • Select B4:C14.
  • Go to the Insert tab and select Charts.
  • Click the Dropdown and choose Scatter.
  • Select a chart.

apply scatter chart to Calculate Slope and Intercept in Excel

  • The chart is displayed.
  • Right-click any point along the line.

  • Select Add Trendline.

  • Check Display Equation on chart.

  • The equation is y=293.94x -146.67 is displayed in the chart.

use the equation to Calculate Slope and Intercept in Excel

  • The slope is m= 293.94, and the intercept -146.67.

Read More: How to Find Instantaneous Slope on Excel


Method 3 – Create a Formula to Calculate the Slope

Combine the SUM and the AVERAGE functions in a formula.

Steps:

  • To calculate the slope, select C16 and enter the following formula:

=SUM((B5:B14-AVERAGE(B5:B14))*(C5:C14-AVERAGE(C5:C14)))/SUM((B5:B14-AVERAGE(B5:B14))^2)

  • Press Enter.
  • The slope is displayed in C16.

 use simple formula to Calculate Slope and Intercept in Excel

Formula Breakdown

  • SUM((B5:B14-AVERAGE(B5:B14))) adds the average of the x-values in (B5:B14).
  • *(C5:C14-AVERAGE(C5:C14)) returns the average of the y-values in (C5:C14), multiplied by the previous value.
  • /SUM((B5:B14-AVERAGE(B5:B14))2) returns the average of the x-values subtracted from (B5:B14), which is the square number. The multiplied number is divided by the result.

Note:

  • The value of the slope will be negative if you use increasing x-values and decreasing y-values. A negative slope forms an obtuse angle.

Read More: How to Find Slope of Logarithmic Graph in Excel


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Saquib Ahmad Shuvo
Saquib Ahmad Shuvo

Saquib Ahmad Bhuiyan, holding a BSc degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, skillfully integrates engineering expertise with a passion for Excel. He provides solutions to complex issues as an Excel & VBA Content Developer for ExcelDemy Forum. He demonstrates an enthusiastic mindset and adeptness in managing critical situations with finesse, showcasing his commitment to excellence. Apart from creating Excel tutorials, he is interested in Data Analysis with MS Excel, Rhinoceros,... Read Full Bio

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