The FORECAST.LINEAR function in Excel is a key tool for predicting future values based on historical data through linear regression analysis.
This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on using FORECAST.LINEAR to make data-driven predictions, helping you understand the fundamentals of linear forecasting in spreadsheets.
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The FORECAST.LINEAR function in Excel calculates a future y-value based on existing x-values and y-values through linear regression. Ideal for predicting sales, inventory, or trends, it's available in Excel 2016 and onward, replacing the older FORECAST function.
Begin by organizing your known x-values and y-values in two separate columns. Select a cell where you want the predicted y-value for your new x-value to appear. Use the function by typing =FORECAST.LINEAR(argument1, argument2, argument3), where argument1 is the x-value for which you want to predict a y-value, argument2 is the range of known y-values, and argument3 is the range of known x-values. Press Enter to view the forecasted result.
Employ the FORECAST.LINEAR function to project future data points such as sales figures, inventory needs, or consumer behavior trends, leveraging Excel's analytical power to make data-driven decisions.
Users familiar with the older FORECAST function will find the syntax and usage of FORECAST.LINEAR identical. However, plan to transition to FORECAST.LINEAR as FORECAST will eventually be deprecated.
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FORECAST.LINEAR is a forecasting function in Excel that calculates future values using linear regression. It can be used to predict future sales, inventory requirements, or consumer trends based on existing data.
The FORECAST.LINEAR function requires three arguments: x (the data point to predict a value for), known_y's (the dependent array or range), and known_x's (the independent array or range).
You can write a FORECAST.LINEAR formula using the syntax FORECAST.LINEAR(x, known_y's, known_x's). For example: =FORECAST.LINEAR(30,A2:A6,B2:B6) will return a predicted y value when x equals 30.
Forecast linear in Excel helps predict future values based on existing data patterns. While Excel's built-in forecasting tools are powerful, learning and implementing them requires time and expertise.
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