Display Regression Lines in Legacy Scatter or Bubble Charts

When using legacy charts, you can display or hide regression lines on scatter charts and bubble charts. Regression lines, also known as lines of best fit or trend lines, graphically illustrate trends in data series. Regression lines are commonly used when charting predictions. A regression line is typically a line or curve that connects or passes through two or more points in the series, showing a trend. Legacy scatter and bubble regression lines are calculated using a numerical algorithm that isn't guaranteed to be optimal. Regressions may or may not match current default chart regressions.

You can specify the following types of regression lines to determine the position and slope of the line:

Linear
Use a linear regression line when your data increases or decreases at a consistent rate. For example, if your chart displays a steady increase in revenue by product line over time, you could use a linear regression line.
Common Log or Natural Log
Use a logarithmic regression line when your data increases or decreases rapidly and then levels out. For example, if your chart displays a rapid decrease in revenue by product line over time and then a plateau, you could use a logarithmic regression line.
Exponential
Use an exponential regression line when your data increases or decreases exponentially, or at steadily increasing or decreasing rate. For example, if your chart displays an exponential increase in revenue by product line over time, you could use an exponential regression line.
Polynomial Fit
Use a polynomial fit regression line when your data both increases and decreases. For example, if your chart displays both increases and decreases in revenue by product line over time, you could use a polynomial fit regression line.

If you are not sure which regression line type to use, try each type to see which one best fits most of your data points. For example, a linear regression line is not going to fit most points on a scatter chart with widely spread data points.

Procedure

Select the scatter or bubble chart.
In the Properties pane, under Chart Annotations, set the Regression Line property to Show.
Click the regression line icon in the report layout.
In the Properties pane, under General, set the Line Styles, Regression Type, and Number of Regression Lines properties.