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Will sales continue to go up or down, and how fast? You can calculate the likely direction using the TREND function.

You can use a TREND formula to predict the results for the next several months, even if you don’t have actual results for recent months. A formula that calculates several values at once uses a range of cells, called an array, to display the set of results. Before entering the function, select enough cells for all of the results.

Two screenshots: first shows part of worksheet with formula entered and range of cells selected; second shows results entered in the selected array.

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 What is the array-entry keystroke?   Press CONTROL+SHIFT+ENTER to enter an array formula.

Screenshot shows a fill handle in a worksheet cell.

Calculate a trend quickly using AutoFill   Select your data for previous months, drag the fill handle with the right mouse button, and then click Linear Trend (to project growth along a straight line), or Growth Trend (to project growth along an exponential curve) from the shortcut menu.

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 Want to know more?   Look up Getting Results - Forecast in Help.

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