How to Use the SLOPE Function in Excel

This guide explains how to use SLOPE Function in Excel, including its syntax, required arguments, practical examples, and common errors.

Description: The function returns the slope of a linear regression line through data points. The slope is the vertical distance divided by the horizontal distance between any two points on that line, the rate of change along the regression line.

Syntax: SLOPE (known_y's, known_x's)

Inside:

- known_y's : An independent data point array or range.

- known_x's: The set of independent data points.

Attention:

- The value of the argument must be a number, name, array or reference containing numbers.

- If known_y's and known_x's are empty or have a different number of data points -> the function returns the # N / A error value .

- If the argument is a reference array containing text values or logic -> these values are ignored, but the value 0 is still counted.

- If argument values use invalid data types -> the function returns the #VALUE! Error value

- The slope equation for the regression line is:

[b = frac {{sum {left ({x - overline x} right) left ({y - overline y} right)}}} {{sum {{{left ({x - overline x} right)} ^ 2 }}}}]

Where x and y are the sample mean AVERAGE (known_x's) and AVERAGE (known_y's)

For example:

Calculate the slope of the linear regression line through data points in the following data table:

- In the cell to calculate enter the formula : = SLOPE (C6: C10, D6: D10)

- Press Enter -> slope of the linear regression line through the above data points is:

Above are instructions and some specific examples when using SLOPE function in Excel.

Good luck!