Author: Oscar Cronquist Article last updated on October 16, 2018

The INTERCEPT function returns a value representing the y-value where a line intersects the y-axis. The line is calculated using the method of least squares based on known x- and y-values.

Use the INTERCEPT function when you want to build a linear regression line based on this straight line equation y = mx + c. c is where the line cuts the y-axis, m is the slope of the line and can be calculated using the SLOPE function.

Formula in cell E3:

=INTERCEPT(C3:C20,B3:B20)

Excel Function Syntax

INTERCEPT(known_y's, known_x's)

Arguments

known_y's Required. An array or cell reference to dependent data points.
known_x's Required. An array or cell reference to independent data points.

Comments

Zero values are included but text, logical values and empty cells are ignored.

The SLOPE function returns

  • #N/A! error if there are a different number of values in known_y's and known_x's.

Equation for the INTERCEPT function:

Equation for b:

The following chart demonstrates the x- and y-values used in the top image and where the fitted line intersects the y-axis which also corresponds to the value calculated by the INTERCEPT function.