- A correlation coefficient of +1 indicates a perfect positive correlation. As variable X increases, variable Y increases. As variable X decreases, variable Y decreases.
- A correlation coefficient of -1 indicates a perfect negative correlation. As variable X increases, variable Z decreases. As variable X decreases, variable Z increases.
- A correlation coefficient near 0 indicates no correlation.
To use the Analysis Toolpak add-in in Excel to quickly generate correlation coefficients between multiple variables, execute the following steps.
1. On the Data tab, in the Analysis group, click Data Analysis.
Note: can't find the Data Analysis button? Click here to load the Analysis ToolPak add-in.
2. Select Correlation and click OK.
3. For example, select the range A1:C6 as the Input Range.
4. Check Labels in first row.
5. Select cell A8 as the Output Range.
6. Click OK.
Result.
Conclusion: variables A and C are positively correlated (0.91). Variables A and B are not correlated (0.19). Variables B and C are also not correlated (0.11) . You can verify these conclusions by looking at the graph..
