Skip to content

Least Squares Method

Least Squares Method:

In a narrow sense, the Least Squares Method is a technique for fitting a straight line through a set of points in such a way that the sum of the squared vertical distances from the observed points to the fitted line is minimized.

In a wider sense, the Least Squares Method is a general approach to fitting a model of the data-generating mechanism to the observed data. The model is specified by an equation with free parameters. The values of the model parameters are being chosen to minimize the sum of the squared deviations of the data from the values predicted by the model.

The Least Squares Method is widely used in building estimators and in regression analysis.

Browse Other Glossary Entries

Test Yourself

Planning on taking an introductory statistics course, but not sure if you need to start at the beginning? Review the course description for each of our introductory statistics courses and estimate which best matches your level, then take the self test for that course. If you get all or almost all the questions correct, move on and take the next test.

Data Analytics

Considering becoming adata scientist, customer analyst or our data science certificate program?

Analytics Quiz

Advanced Statistics Quiz

Statistics Quiz

Statistics

Looking at statistics for graduate programs or to enhance your foundational knowledge?

Statistics 1 Quiz

Regression Quiz

Regression Quiz

Biostatistics

Entering the biostatistics field? Test your skill here.

Biostatistics Quiz

Advanced Statistics Quiz

Statistics 2 Quiz

Stay Informed

Our Blog

Read up on our latest blogs

Certificates

Learn about our certificate programs

Courses

Find the right course for you

Contact Us

We'd love to answer your questions

Our mentors and academic advisors are standing by to help guide you towards the courses or program that makes the most sense for you and your goals.

300 W Main St STE 301, Charlottesville, VA 22903

(434) 973-7673

ourcourses@statistics.com

By submitting your information, you agree to receive email communications from Statistics.com. All information submitted is subject to our privacy policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.