How to Add Equation to Graph in Google Sheets

In this article, we will learn how to add an equation to a graph in Google Sheets. When we plot a scatter graph, its trendline gives a lot of information about the data in the graph. The most important element of a trendline is its slope by the help of which we determine the relationship between the dependent variable (represented by the vertical axis) and the independent variable (represented by the horizontal axis). This is one of the valuable features of Google Sheets that allows us to add an equation to a graph to have an accurate value of slope; this means we don’t need to manually calculate the slope of a trendline by a mathematical formula.

Graph equations in Google Sheets are easy to plot and this tutorial will walk all levels of Google Sheets users through the process of showing line equations and adding them to a graph. In this article, you are going to learn how to add equations to graphs in Google Sheets. It will not be displayed by default in Google Sheets. So, for this, we need to perform some steps to add an equation to the graph in Google Sheets. Don’t worry there is no hard and fast rule to get the job done. The steps are very simple and easy to understand even for a beginner. Read this article completely and it will guide you on how to add an equation to a graph in Google Sheets.

Importance of Adding Equation to Graph in Google Sheets

The equation of a graph will give you precise information about important elements which are the slope and intercept of an equation. Using the values of slope and intercept we can make predictions, calculate rates and make conversions, etc. Graphs of linear equations are especially effective for representing relationships between things that change at a constant rate, and they often do a better job than words or mathematical equations alone.  Yes, you can add equations to graphs manually on paper but it will consume a lot of time and energy. So now it is possible to ad equation to graph in Google Sheets, here is an easy way provided by Google Sheets which can give you to add equation to a graph in a few seconds. It will save you time as well as estimate an accurate equation for your data without any errors.

When you add an equation to a graph, you will let your audience get a detailed picture of it. Now as you have learned the importance of adding an equation to a graph in Google Sheets, we are moving to the next section of this article where you will find a step-by-step procedure of how to add an equation to a graph in Google Sheets. So, let’s have a look at these steps.

How to Add Equation to Graph in Google Sheets

Before starting the method of how to add equations to graphs in Google Sheets, let me tell you that to add an equation to a graph first we need a graph with a trendline, and to make a graph we need some sample data. So, in this section first, we will have some sample of data then we will insert a graph for that data, then we will learn how to show a trendline in the graph then I will tell you which type of graph we will use to add equation and then we will learn how to add equation to graph in Google Sheets. So, start all of these topics without wasting our time, and let’s move to the steps.

Step 1

In this sample data, there are proportional values of both variables x and y.

Step 2

Here, we have to know the equation to graph in Google Sheets.

Step 3

For that, we will have to add a graph or chart of our data and select your data by dragging the cursor on it by clicking.

Step 4

Then go into the “insert” tab in the menu bar.

Step 5

A drop-down menu will open where you will find the “Chart” option. You can insert a chart with just one click on it.

Step 6

Once click on the chart a graph will be inserted

Step 7

To add equations to the graph in Google Sheets we need the scattered type of chart. By default, in Google Sheets, it can be inserted differently. To change the type of chart, go into “chart editor” and “setup”.

Step 8

In the setup, you will find at first the chart type option. Click on this small arrow to find more types of charts.

Step 9

Here are so many different chart types you will select the “scattered chart” type.

Step 10

This is the scattered type floating points values chart as shown in this picture. But there is no trendline shown in the graph.

Step 11

To show the trendline in the graph go again into the chart editor and customize the option where go in the series.

Step 12

In the explanation of the series, you will have a trendline option on little scrolling down. This trendline option is unchecked here. Check the option to show the trendline in the graph.

Step 13

As you can see from the chart, the trendline has appeared, now change the trendline type from the following option just next to the trendline option.

Step 14

Select the “polynomial line” type to show in the chart.

Step 15

You can also format your line in a way that if it’s not looking correctly, you can change its color.

Step 16

From the following options, you can increase the capacity and thickness of the trendline shown in the Chart or graph.

Step 17

After formatting the trendline there is the next option “label” from where you can add equations to the graph in Google Sheets.

Step 18

As you click on the label option, you will find the “use equation” option in the drop-down option.

Step 19

As you select the use equation option, you will see in the graph equation has been added to the graph.

Step 20

Now you can write the equation which you want to know by the above steps as shown below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do we need to add equation to graph in Google Sheets?

A: Graphs of linear equations are especially effective for representing relationships between things that change at a constant rate, and they often do a better job than words or mathematical equations alone. Other else you can find two points with the help of equations and you can also find the intercept of the other variable. You can know the slope with the help of equations by y-intercept. The main purpose of the equations is to provide a very precise way to describe various things. This is why equation to graph is found very important topic in Google Sheets.

Q: How many variables do we need to add equation to graph in Google Sheets?

A: Usually in linear equations you may have two variables but it may have one variable. A linear equation is a type of equation in which the degree of each variable in the equation is exactly equal to one. Linear equations in one variable are those equations in which there is only one variable present, and there is only one solution to the equation. When it is drawn on a graph, it appears to be a straight line either horizontally or vertically. But in some cases, a linear equation is made up of two expressions set equal to each other. A linear equation in two variables can be described as a linear relationship between x and y, that is, two variables in which the value of one of them depends on the value of the other one. So, it does not matter that you have one variable or two.

Q: How do we know an equation to graph is not a function?

A: It is possible in some cases when a function cannot be sketched on a graph that graph equations are not function. We can know by applying the vertical line test to determine whether or not a graph represents a function. If a vertical line is moved across the graph and, at any time, touches the graph at only one point, then the graph is a function. If the vertical line touches the graph at more than one point, then the graph is not a function. If a vertical line drawn anywhere on the graph of a relation only intersects the graph at one point, then that graph represents a function.

Conclusion

So, today we learned how to add equation to graph in Google Sheets. Spreadsheets offer a whole new way of handling and analyzing any information. It deals with mathematical operation, and formatting tables and enables you to make Charts and graphically interact. You can also add properties of any graph in Google Sheets. Similarly, adding an equation to a graph in Google Sheets is not an impossible task to do.

As in the above article, we have learned how to add equation to graph in Google Sheets with detailed steps. Hope you will not find any query for adding an equation to graph in Google Sheets by deep learning from the above tutorial. Most of the time, the problem you will need to solve will be more complex than a simple application of a formula or function. If you want to save hours of research and frustration. Then keep visiting our forum Office Demy to find easy ways and solutions to all problems related to the topic.