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How to Interpolate Missing Values in Excel?

Last Updated : 14 Jul, 2022
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Linear Interpolation means estimating a missing value by connecting dots in the straight line in increasing order. It estimates the unknown value in the same increasing order as the previous values. The default method used by Interpolation is Linear so while applying it one does not need to specify it. Frequently one might have at least one missing quality in a series in Excel that you might want to fill in. The most straightforward method for filling in missing qualities is to utilize the Fill Series capability inside the Editing area on the Home tab.

Choosing-fill-series-option

 

This instructional exercise gives two instances of how to involve this capability practically speaking.

Fill in Missing Values for a Linear Trend

Assume we have the accompanying dataset with a couple of missing qualities in Excel,

Dataset

 

On the off chance that we make a speedy line graph of this information, we’ll see that the information seems to pursue a straight direction:

Adding-speedy-line-graph

 

To fill in the missing qualities, we can feature the reach beginning when the missing qualities, then click Home > Editing > Fill > Series.

Modifying-specifications

 

On the off chance that we leave the Type as Linear, Excel will utilize the accompanying equation to figure out what step is worth using to fill in the missing information:

Step = (End – Start)/(#Missing obs + 1)

For this model, it decides the step worth to be: (34 – 21)/(4 + 1) = 2.6. When we click OK, Excel consequently fills in the missing quantities by adding 2.6 to each resulting esteem:

Missing-quantities-filled

 

Fill in Missing Values for a Growth Trend

Assume we have the accompanying dataset with a couple of missing qualities in Excel,

Dataset

 

In the event that we make a fast-line outline of this information, we’ll see that the information seems to follow an outstanding (or “development”) pattern:

Making-fast-line-outline

 

To fill in the missing qualities, we can feature the reach beginning when the missing qualities, then, at that point, click Home > Editing > Fill > Series.

Modifying-specifications

 

On the off chance that we select the Type as Growth and snap the case close to Trend, Excel consequently recognizes the development pattern in the information and fills in the missing values. When we click OK, Excel fills in the missing qualities:

Missing-values-filled

 

From the plot, we can see that the filled-in values match the general pattern of the information very well.


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