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I have a set of data charted and a trend line for the data (in Excel). Is there a way to change the slope of the trend line and it will adjust the data to match the new slope?

David Thielen
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    No. However, you can always take the equation for the trend line and calculate the data that comprise it, then create a new data set that adjusts for the slope of the trend line. – chuff Aug 17 '13 at 23:43
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    FYI, in Excel 97 to 2003, dragging data points would actually change the underlying data. That "feature" was eliminated in Excel 2007. – Doug Glancy Aug 18 '13 at 00:01
  • @chuff How do I get the equation of the trend line? – David Thielen Aug 18 '13 at 11:18
  • When you add the trend line to the chart, on the **Trendline Option** selection in the **Format Trendline** dialog box, there's a check mark box for **Display equation on chart**. – chuff Aug 18 '13 at 16:21
  • @chuff If you combine all your comments into an answer, I'm happy to mark it the answer (points for you). – David Thielen Aug 19 '13 at 00:15

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No. However, you can take the equation for the trend line and calculate the data that comprise it, then create a new data set that adjusts for the slope of the trend line that you want to use.

To get the equation - slope and offset - of the original trend line, select the trend line on the chart, right-click and choose Format Trendline. At the bottom of the dialog box that opens up, there is a check box for Display equation on chart. The equation will be put in a new text box on the chart, and you can copy the equation directly from the box.

Prior to Excel 2007, it was possible - by changing the position of a point on a chart - to change the underlying data as well. In response to user feedback, a free addin was developed to provide this kind of capability. I have not tried it, but perhaps you will find it helpful.

chuff
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