Compact mode
AVERAGE vs FORECAST
Table of content
Basic Classification Comparison
Function Category 📊
Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function typesBoth*Operation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsBoth*
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionBoth*AVERAGEFORECAST
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionAVERAGE- Basic Statistical CalculationAVERAGE is known for Basic Statistical Calculation.
FORECAST- Linear Trend PredictionFORECAST is known for Linear Trend Prediction.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionAVERAGE- Most basic statistical function
FORECAST- Based on least squares regression method
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionAVERAGE- Making averages average since Excel began
FORECAST- The crystal ball of Excel functions
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyAVERAGEFORECAST
Technical Details Comparison
Version Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.Both*- Excel 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
- Excel 2016Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
- Excel 2013Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
AVERAGEOperating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsBoth*Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyAVERAGEFORECASTRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionBoth*- NumberExcel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
- ArrayExcel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
AVERAGE
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionAVERAGE- Simple To Use
- Common Function
- Universal
FORECASTCons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionAVERAGE- Ignores Text
- Includes Zero ValuesFunctions that consider zero values in calculations, impacting statistical results Click to see all.
- Numbers Only
- No Weights
FORECAST- Assumes Linear Relationship
- Complex Setup
- Sensitive To Outliers
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to AVERAGE
SUMIFS
Known for Multiple Condition Sum🛠 is more reliable than FORECAST
⭐ is rated higher than FORECAST
KURT
Known for Measuring Data Peakedness⚙ performs better than FORECAST
🛠 is more reliable than FORECAST
MODE
Known for Finding Most Frequent Value📊 is easier to use than FORECAST
⚙ performs better than FORECAST
🛠 is more reliable than FORECAST
⭐ is rated higher than FORECAST
MATCH
Known for Position Finding🛠 is more reliable than FORECAST
⭐ is rated higher than FORECAST
AVERAGEIFS
Known for Multiple Criteria Based Average🛠 is more reliable than FORECAST
⭐ is rated higher than FORECAST
PMT
Known for Calculate Loan Payments📊 is easier to use than FORECAST
⚙ performs better than FORECAST
🛠 is more reliable than FORECAST
⭐ is rated higher than FORECAST
SMALL
Known for Finding Nth Smallest Value📊 is easier to use than FORECAST
⚙ performs better than FORECAST
🛠 is more reliable than FORECAST
⭐ is rated higher than FORECAST
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations📊 is easier to use than FORECAST
⚙ performs better than FORECAST
🛠 is more reliable than FORECAST
⭐ is rated higher than FORECAST
FREQUENCY
Known for Distribution Analysis⚙ performs better than FORECAST
🛠 is more reliable than FORECAST
⭐ is rated higher than FORECAST
ROUND
Known for Round Numbers📊 is easier to use than FORECAST
⚙ performs better than FORECAST
🛠 is more reliable than FORECAST
⭐ is rated higher than FORECAST