How to use the FORECAST function
Author: Oscar Cronquist Article last updated on October 16, 2018
The FORECAST function calculates a value based on existing x and y values using linear regression. Use this function to predict linear trends.
This function is outdated and was replaced with FORECAST.LINEAR function in Excel 2016.
Formula in cell E3:
=FORECAST(E6,C3:C9,B3:B9)
Excel Function Syntax
FORECAST(x, known_y's, known_x's)
Arguments
| x | Required. The data point for which you want to predict a value. |
| known_y's | Required. Known y points. |
| known_x's | Required. Known x points. |
Comments
The chart below shows the predicted value as a red dot, based on x and y values represented by the blue dots.
Functions in this article
Functions in 'Compatibility' category
The FORECAST function function is one of many functions in the 'Compatibility' category.
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Excel function categories
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Functions for backward compatibility with earlier Excel versions. Compatibility functions are replaced with newer functions with improved accuracy. Use the new functions if compatibility isn't required.
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Functions that let you return and manipulate logical values, and also control formula calculations based on logical expressions.
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You will find functions in this category that calculates random values, round numerical values, create sequential numbers, trigonometry, and more.
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Excel categories
Latest updated articles.
More than 300 Excel functions with detailed information including syntax, arguments, return values, and examples for most of the functions used in Excel formulas.
More than 1300 formulas organized in subcategories.
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Lets you control what a user can type into a cell. It allows you to specifiy conditions and show a custom message if entered data is not valid.
Lets the user work more efficiently by showing a list that the user can select a value from. This lets you control what is shown in the list and is faster than typing into a cell.
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An Excel feature that lets you visualize data in a graph.
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VBA stands for Visual Basic for Applications and is a computer programming language developed by Microsoft, it allows you to automate time-consuming tasks and create custom functions.
A program or subroutine built in VBA that anyone can create. Use the macro-recorder to quickly create your own VBA macros.
UDF stands for User Defined Functions and is custom built functions anyone can create.
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