We have learned how to create column charts, bar charts, scatter charts, and line charts in our previous tutorials. Google Sheets can automatically add a trendline into these four types of Google Charts. A trendline, also known as a line of best fit, is used to determine the overall pattern of your data in a specific chart.
In this tutorial, we will learn how to add and customize a trendline. Keep in mind that you must already have a chart created before you proceed to these steps to add a trendline.
Here, we will use the data set and Scatter chart discussed in our previous tutorial.
Step 1: Double click on the chart.
Step 2: Go to the Customize tab under Chart Editor located on the right side of your Google Sheet. Click the Series menu to display other options.
Step 3: Tick on the Trendline. Google Sheet will automatically add a trendline of linear type in your chart.
There are six types of trend lines available in Google Sheets. Each of these types has its own use. This Microsoft Support article discusses when to use these trendlines and we have summarized it below:
In case you want to change the type of your trendline, go to Type below the trendline option. Click on the down arrow menu. Then, choose one of the six types.
If you choose the polynomial trendline, you can add a polynomial degree. Just choose among the options on the drop-down menu under the polynomial degree.
If you choose the moving average trendline, you can choose either trailing or centered on the drop-down menu under Average Type. You may also change the corresponding Period located right beside the average type.
The color, opacity, and thickness of the trendline can be modified by clicking on each respective drop-down menu under the Trendline option.
You can also add labels to your trendline. Labeling the trendline as an equation can help determine the mathematical model that will best fit the data. To do that, click on the drop-down menu under Label, then choose Use Equation.
The correlation coefficient R-squared, R2, is a statistical measure and is used to determine the reliability of the trendline. The closer that R2 is to 1 or -1, the more accurate the trendline is. Just tick on “Show R2”, and Google Sheets will add it to the legend of your chart.
It's easy to add trendlines to see patterns in your google sheets charts. Trendlines can be added to the line, bar, column, or scatter charts.
Adding a trendline is very simple. You just need to tick the trendline option, make some tweaks in formatting, and that’s it! Remember again that you need to have a prepared chart before adding a trendline. Without a chart, no trendline can be added!
Different types of trendlines are not always applicable to every data set. It’s a tough decision for some, but you need to study your data carefully and know the specific trendline that you need.
You can use this sample sheet for your practice.
-Add Title and Label Legend Google Sheets Chart
-Line of Best Fit Google Sheets
-Finding the Slope in Google Sheets
-Create a chart with Multiple Ranges of Data
