Predict a future value from a linear trend.
Syntax
FORECAST.LINEAR(x, known_y's, known_x's)Arguments
xrequired
The x value to predict for.
known_y'srequired
The dependent values, such as sales.
known_x'srequired
The independent values, such as months.
FORECAST.LINEAR fits a straight line through known x/y pairs and estimates the y value for a new x. Use it when the historical relationship is roughly linear.
=FORECAST.LINEAR(13, B2:B13, A2:A13)→1540Predicts month 13 from months 1-12.
Keep ranges aligned
known_y's and known_x's must describe the same observations.
Check the shape
Use a chart first if the relationship may not be linear.
Not well. Use it for simple linear trends; seasonal patterns usually need a different model such as FORECAST.ETS.