In this tutorial, you will learn how to use method of least squares in Excel.
In order to find the line of best fit for a set of data, the least squares method is a type of mathematical regression analysis. It offers a visual representation of the relationship between the data points. The correlation between a known independent variable and an unknowable dependent variable is represented by each data point.
Once you are ready, we can get started by using real-life scenarios to help you understand how to use method of least squares in Excel.
Table of Contents
Use Method of Least Squares
Before we begin we will need a group of data to be used to use method of least squares in Excel.
Step 1
Make sure your group of data is displayed in a clean and tidy manner in the first sheet.
Step 2
We may fit a regression line to this dataset using the approach of least squares by using the LINEST function. You may insert this formula =LINEST(A2:A14,B2:B14).
Step 3
The following fitted regression line can be written using the coefficients from the =LINEST() function:
y = -2.4358 + 0.3625(x)
Based on the value of x, we can use this equation to predict the value of y.
As an illustration, if x = 20, we would predict that y will equal 4.8142:
y = -2.4358 + 0.3625(20) = 4.8142