How to create forecast in excel | Illustration with Example

How to create forecast in excel | Illustration with Example:

Hi Readers! Here we are going to learn today on how to create forecast in excel. We have already published an article on basic knowledge and the selection process for best forecasting methods. As we know that forecasting is one of the common methodologies used in various types of industries for predicting the future based on the results of previous data. Here we will give more focus on the creation or preparation of the forecasting method in excel (note that, given excel process may be different from excel to excel depending on excel’s version).

Suppose a bike showroom owner would like to do the purchasing plan considering the last 4 month’s selling quantity, store constrain, Market demand, festive season, etc.  But he could not finalize the quantity. So, here we are going to do the forecast method to finalize the value (this is only the reference method and forecast value, the actual value may vary depending on various factors). Through this example, we shall learn only on how to create forecasts in excel (Some common methods only). We are going to use the excel-2007 version, the process may vary from excel version to version.

Illustration of How to create forecast in excel?

The last 9 months’ bike selling quantity is given below as;

MonthBike Selling Quantity
Jan1102
Feb2104
Mar3105
Apr4101
May599
Jun689
Jul7105
Aug8115
Sep9103
Oct10??

We have calculated a 4-Months Moving Average Forecast.

MonthBike Selling Quantity4-Months Moving Average Forecast
Jan1102NA
Feb2104NA
Mar3105NA
Apr4101NA
May599 =average(select top 4 months bike selling quantity)
Jun689 =average(104,105,101,99)
Jul7105 
Aug8115 
Sep9103 
Oct10?? 

Excel Function = Average (Select data array of 4 months)

In the above table we have mentioned the excel function. Accordingly calculated the 4-months moving average forecast value, the same table is given below. Just try to calculate the value by yourself in excel and verify the same.

MonthBike Selling Quantity4-Months Moving Average Forecast
Jan1102NA
Feb2104NA
Mar3105NA
Apr4101NA
May599103.00
Jun689102.25
Jul710598.50
Aug811598.50
Sep9103102.00
Oct10??103.00
How to create forecast in excel

How to calculate Exponential Smoothening Forecast? By considering the alpha value 0.8

Excel function, ESF of desire month = (0.8*previous month bike selling quantity + 0.2* previous month ESF)

MonthBike Selling QuantityExponential Smoothening Forecast (factor, alpha=0.8)
Jan1102NA
Feb2104102
Mar3105=(0.8*Bike selling quantity of Feb. month + 0.2*ESF of Feb. month) 
Apr4101 
May599 
Jun689 
Jul7105 
Aug8115 
Sep9103 
Oct10?? 
MonthBike Selling QuantityExponential Smoothening Forecast (factor, alpha=0.8)
Jan1102NA
Feb2104102
Mar3105104
Apr4101105
May599102
Jun689100
Jul710591
Aug8115102
Sep9103112
Oct10??105

Linear Regression Forecasting calculation in Excel:

MonthBike Selling Quantity
Jan1102
Feb2104
Mar3105
Apr4101
May599
Jun689
Jul7105
Aug8115
Sep9103
Oct10??

Based on the above data “month” & “bike selling quantity” plot the scatter diagram including linear regression function as per below;

How to create forecast in excel
How to create forecast in excel

From the Scatter diagram, you can get the function, here y=0.416*X + 100.4

By using the function we have calculated the forecast value which is given in the below table.

MonthBike Selling QuantityLinear Regression
Jan1102101
Feb2104101
Mar3105102
Apr4101102
May599102
Jun689103
Jul7105103
Aug8115104
Sep9103104
Oct10??105

Accordingly, you can calculate the Forecast value using several types of methods. But if you would like to choose or decide the best forecast value among all types then read our previous article.

Free Templates / Formats of QM: we have published some free templates or formats related to Quality Management with manufacturing / industrial practical examples for better understanding and learning. if you have not yet read these free template articles/posts then, you could visit our “Template/Format” section. Thanks for reading…keep visiting techiequality.com

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