What is the syntax for LINEST in Excel?

The syntax for LINEST is: =LINEST(known_y's, [known_x's], [const], [stats])

What is LINEST and when should I use it?

LINEST performs linear regression analysis, returning the slope and intercept of the best-fit line through your data. Use it when you need full regression statistics (R², standard errors, F-statistic) rather than just predictions. It's essential for statistical analysis and model validation.

How do I interpret LINEST output with stats=TRUE?

With stats=TRUE, LINEST returns a 5x2 array: Row 1: slope, intercept; Row 2: standard errors; Row 3: R², standard error of y; Row 4: F-statistic, degrees of freedom; Row 5: regression SS, residual SS. Enter as array formula or use INDEX to extract specific values.

What's the difference between LINEST and SLOPE/INTERCEPT?

SLOPE and INTERCEPT return single values. LINEST returns both plus optional statistics. Use SLOPE/INTERCEPT for simple calculations; use LINEST when you need R², standard errors, or are doing multiple regression with several X variables.

Statistical

LINEST Function in Excel

Returns the parameters of a linear trend using least squares method.

Syntax

=LINEST(known_y's, [known_x's], [const], [stats])

Arguments

known_y's (required): Dependent values
known_x's (optional): Independent values
const (optional): TRUE to calculate intercept
stats (optional): TRUE to return additional statistics

Examples

=LINEST(B1:B10, A1:A10) - Linear regression - Result: Slope and intercept

LINEST for data analysis

Confirm whether you need entire columns, filtered subsets, or distinct values.
Use [COUNTIFS](/functions/countifs/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/) for multi-criteria metrics.
Pivot tables complement single-cell statistical formulas for exploration.

Common errors

Arrays must be same size

Use cases

Linear regression
Trend analysis
Forecasting

Frequently asked questions

What is LINEST and when should I use it? LINEST performs linear regression analysis, returning the slope and intercept of the best-fit line through your data. Use it when you need full regression statistics (R², standard errors, F-statistic) rather than just predictions. It's essential for statistical analysis and model validation.
How do I interpret LINEST output with stats=TRUE? With stats=TRUE, LINEST returns a 5x2 array: Row 1: slope, intercept; Row 2: standard errors; Row 3: R², standard error of y; Row 4: F-statistic, degrees of freedom; Row 5: regression SS, residual SS. Enter as array formula or use INDEX to extract specific values.
What's the difference between LINEST and SLOPE/INTERCEPT? SLOPE and INTERCEPT return single values. LINEST returns both plus optional statistics. Use SLOPE/INTERCEPT for simple calculations; use LINEST when you need R², standard errors, or are doing multiple regression with several X variables.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.