How to Run a Multiple Regression in Microsoft Excel: Step-by-Step Guide

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Easily create a multiple regression model in your Excel spreadsheet

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Written by Kyle Smith

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

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Trying to create a multiple regression model in Excel? It's pretty easy to do using the built-in data analysis tools. Multiple regression is a great way to examine how multiple independent variables explain the variation in a dependent variable. This wikiHow guide will show you how to run a multiple regression in Microsoft Excel on Windows or Mac.

Things You Should Know

• You'll need to enable the Analysis ToolPak, a built-in add-in for Excel, before running a regression analysis.
• Make sure your data is arranged in adjacent columns with the first row being the headers.
• Click "Data Analysis" in the "Data" tab and select "Regression" to set up the analysis.

Steps

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1. 
   1
   Enable the data analysis add-in (if needed). Whether you're studying statistics or doing regression professionally, Excel is a great tool for running the analysis. Excel has a built-in data analysis add-in called "Analysis ToolPak." You can check to see if it's active by clicking the Data tab. If you don't see the Data Analysis option, you will need to enable it:

   • Windows:
     • Open the File tab (or press Alt+F) and select Options (Windows).
     • Click Add-Ins on the left side of the window.
     • Select Excel Add-ins next to "manage" and click Go.
     • In the new window, check the box next to "Analysis ToolPak", then click OK. This will enable the built-in data analysis add-in.
   • Mac:
     • Click Tools and then Excel Add-ins.
     • Check the box next to Analysis ToolPak and click OK.
     • Note that you may need to click Browse to find the Analysis ToolPak.
     • If the Data Analysis tool doesn't appear in the Data tab, close and reopen Excel.
2. 
   2
   Enter your data or open your data file. Data must be arranged in immediately adjacent columns and labels should be in the first row of each column. This is a typical format for databases.
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3. 
   3
   Click theData tab and click Data Analysis. This option is in the "Analysis" section near the far right of Data tab options.

   • Another powerful tool is Excel's Solver function, an optimization model feature.
4. 
   4
   Click Regression and then OK. This will open a new window for inputting the parameters of the regression model.
5. 
   5
   Input the dependent (Y) data range. To do so:

   • Click the "Input Y Range" field.
   • Highlight the column containing your dependent variable values.
   • Click the Labels checkbox if your data has a header row.
6. 
   6
   Input the independent (X) data range. To do so:

   • Click the "Input X Range" field.
   • Highlight the column or columns containing your independent variable values. This can include multiple columns if you have more than one independent variable.
   • Note: The independent variable data columns must be adjacent to one another for the input to work.
7. 
   7
   Adjust the regression options (if needed). You can change the following parts of the analysis in the Regression window:

   • The default confidence level is 95%. If you want to change this value, click the box next to Confidence Level and modify the adjacent value.
   • Under "Output options," select where you want the regression results to output.
   • Select the desired options in the "Residuals" category. Graphical residual outputs are created by the Residual Plots and Line Fit Plots options.
8. 
   8
   Click OK and the analysis will be created. You'll see the following information:

   • Regression Statistics includes the correlation values, standard error, and number of observations.
   • ANOVA is a table displaying the degrees of freedom, sum squares, mean squares, F value, and F significance. You can use this table to assess the statistical significance of the model.
   • The confidence interval table shows the regression coefficient, standard error, significance, and confidence interval for each regression parameter (the intercept and the independent variable slopes).
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• Question

  what is output range

  

  Kyle Smith
  wikiHow Technology Writer

  Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

  

  Kyle Smith

  wikiHow Technology Writer

  Expert Answer

  The output range in the regression window is where the results of the analysis will appear. This can be in an existing sheet, a new sheet, or an entirely new workbook file.

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  Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
• Question

  getting #NUM error p- values. What does it mean?

  

  Kyle Smith
  wikiHow Technology Writer

  Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

  

  Kyle Smith

  wikiHow Technology Writer

  Expert Answer

  This could indicate that you don't have enough observations to compute the significance of the model or its parameters. Try adding additional observations if this is the case.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  What is the formula of multiple regression used by Excel in the background?

  

  Kyle Smith
  wikiHow Technology Writer

  Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

  

  Kyle Smith

  wikiHow Technology Writer

  Expert Answer

  Excel is using the linear regression formula y = m1x1 + m2x2 + ... + b. It calculates the values using the least squares method.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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