The syntax of the FORECAST function is as follows: In other words, FORECAST projects a future value along a line of best fit based on historical data. The FORECAST function in Excel is used to predict a future value by using linear regression.

ETS.STAT - returns statistical values for time series forecasting.

ETS.SEASONALITY - calculates the length of a seasonal or other recurring pattern.

ETS.CONFINT - calculates the confidence interval.

ETS - predicts future values based on the exponential smoothing algorithm.

These functions are only available in Excel for Office 365, Excel 2019, and Excel 2016. The four ETS functions are purposed for exponential smoothing forecasts.

LINEAR - identical to the FORECAST function part of the new suite of forecasting functions in Excel 2016 and Excel 2019.

FORECAST - predicts future values by using linear regression a legacy function for backwards compatibility with Excel 2013 and earlier.

In the recent versions of Excel, there exist six different forecasting functions. The main focus of this tutorial will be on the two main forecasting functions, but we will touch briefly on other functions as well to help you understand their purpose and basic uses. In Microsoft Excel, there are several functions that can help you create linear and exponential smoothing forecasts based on historical data such as sales, budgets, cash flows, stock prices, and the like.

The tutorial explains how to use Excel FORECAST and other related functions with formula examples.

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