Logarithmic Trendline - Please Help

[Chantay Thomas]

I am in the process of creating a chart and must use a
trendline that will predict future values. Currently I
have chosen to use a logarithmic trendline. Is this the
best one to use?

I am charting charting current workload by month
(example: Jan - 20; Feb - 30; - March - 23). I want to
use the trendline to predict future workload based on my
current data. Is logarithmic the best trendline to use?
Or should I use Linear?? Could someone please tell me
the different between the 2 as well

 

[Bernard V Liengme]

Hi Chantay,
A linear fit is used when the measured data is related to the independent
data in such a way that it gives a straight line. A log trendline is used
when the relationship is logarithmic. Generally (at least in my field) one
know which makes more sense for a particular circumstance. If you are just
fortune telling, then take the fit that gives the largest R-squared value
(it maxes out at 1.00000)
Bernard

 

[Jerry W. Lewis]

"fortune telling" is a nice turn of phrase for the situation.

Jerry