XL: Incorrect Formula for LINEST in Remarks Section of Help

ID: Q140621

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel 5.0 or 7.0 Help, the definition of the LINEST slope formula is described as the following (in the "Remarks" section in Help): 

   m = n-(Sxy)(Sx)(Sy)
       ---------------
       n(S(x2))-(Sx)2
The correct definition is the following: 

   m = n(Sxy)-(Sx)(Sy)
       --------------
       n(S(x2))-(Sx)2
The difference between the two functions is the minus (-) sign after the first "n."

NOTE: The "S" in the formulas represents the Greek symbol sigma, which in scientific notation, means sum or sum of.

MORE INFORMATION

This formula is referenced correctly on pages 155-162 of the Microsoft Press book "Microsoft Excel 5 Worksheet Function Reference."

Additional query words: 

Keywords          : xlwin 
Version           : WINDOWS:5.0,5.0c,7.0; MACINTOSH:5.0,5.0a
Platform          : MACINTOSH WINDOWS

Last Reviewed: May 4, 1998