Trending in Excel is an effective way to identify patterns and visualize linear trend modeling over data contained in a spreadsheet.
How to Calculate Trend in Excel
What is the TREND function?
The TREND function is responsible for calculating and extending the trend line in Excel. In addition to demonstrating patterns in present data, this function allows you to project future values for dependent variables (y) based on a set of new independent values (x).
This resource presents objective information about the relationships between variables and enables a consistent evaluation over time, with reliable predictions based on available data.
TREND function syntax
=TREND(known_y, known_x, new_x, constant)
| Argument | Description |
| acquaintances_y | Range of cells that contain the known y-values. |
| acquaintances_x | Range of cells containing the known x-values. |
| new_x (optional) | Range of cells containing the new x values to project the corresponding y values. |
| constant (optional) | logical value that demonstrates whether the constant b must be equal to 0. If yes or omitted, b will be calculated normally. If not, b will be set to 0 (zero) and the m values will be adjusted by calculating y = mx. |
Calculation example of the TREND function
To understand how to apply the trend formula in Excel, see an example that involves projecting investment over the coming months:
Now, follow the step by step to calculate the trend of hours worked in the next three months:
- Select the cells that correspond to the projection data;
- enter the formula =TENDÊNCIA(B2:B10;A2:A10;A13:A21).
The same logic can be applied to carry out trend calculations in any data sheet that requires this type of approach, regardless of the context or the variables involved, while respecting the rules of syntax.
To learn how to perform the most common calculations in spreadsheets, learn about the three main Excel formulas.
