How do I set the range of a trend line in Excel?

[Guest]

I am using excel to create trend lines in a chart. I have four different sets
of data, two sets lie on weeks 1-6, and two sets lie on weeks 7-12 (x-axis).
Right now, I can make individual trend lines for all four sets of data, but
they extend the length of the x-axis (all 12 weeks). How do I get the trend
lines to extend just within the data range? Thanks for any help.

 

[Jon Peltier]

In a line chart (in any chart with a category axis, in fact), a
trendline covers the entire range of the X axis. If you're able to plot
the points on a Scatter chart, the trendline only spans the actual range
of data.

- Jon
-------
Jon Peltier, Microsoft Excel MVP
Peltier Technical Services
Tutorials and Custom Solutions
http://PeltierTech.com/
_______

 

[Guest]

Jon,
Thanks for your help. It is good to know what I can't do it so I stop
banging my head trying.
Elizabeth

 

[Tammy]

Hi Jon,

I have a user who is trying to make his trend line span only the range of
the data, instead of the entire range of the X axis. He is using a Scatter
chart. Can you explain how he can do this?

We are using Excel 2007.

I have been looking for the options, but can't seem to find the right one.

Please let me know if you need any further info.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Andy Pope]

Hi,

As Jon wrote a trendline is based on ALL the data in a series. If you want
to trend partial data you will need to create another series that is just
the partial data.
You can then add your trend line to that series. The series with partial
data can be formatted such that it does not shown on the chart by setting
the line and marker styles to none.

Cheers
Andy

 

[Tammy]

Hi Andy,

Thanks so much for your prompt response, I really appreciate it.

I will forward the info to my user.

Thanks!

 

[Kelly O'Day]

Tammy:

I have several regression posts on my site that may be helpful.

Particularly, I have an interactive regression example which lets the user
select begin and end points of data subset. I'd suggest you check out this
post to see if it fits your needs.

http://processtrends.com/toc_trend_analysis_with_Excel.htm#Interactive_Regression

Kelly
http://processtrends.com

 

[Tammy]

Hi Kelly,

Thanks so much for providing your helpful article. I will forward that to my
user, as well.

Thanks, again!