How to Use the FORECAST Function in WPS on Windows

Use the FORECAST function through 4 how-to topics, all available without membership; choose a topic from the index and follow the steps.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the FORECAST function

Entry point: Formula tab → formula bar

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
2. Type = in the cell or in the formula bar.
3. Continue by typing FORECAST(.
4. Review the syntax prompt and argument guidance that appears.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: A function prompt appears after you enter the function name.
• Next action available: You can continue entering arguments and complete the formula.

Tips While Using

• Start the formula with =.
• Keep the opening parenthesis after the function name so you can continue entering arguments.

2. Fill in arguments and complete the calculation

Entry point: formula bar

1. After FORECAST(, enter the required arguments based on the prompt.
2. Check that the number, order, and separators of the arguments are correct.
3. Type the closing parenthesis to finish the formula.
4. Press Enter to confirm the calculation.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The calculated result appears in the current cell.
• Next action available: You can copy the formula or adjust the referenced ranges.

Tips While Using

• Make sure parentheses are paired correctly.
• Use the correct separator between arguments.

3. Reference data across worksheets

Entry point: formula bar + sheet tabs

1. Enter the FORECAST formula in the result cell.
2. Switch to another worksheet that contains the source data.
3. Select the cells or ranges you want to use as arguments.
4. Return to the current worksheet and confirm the result.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The formula contains cross-worksheet references.
• Next action available: You can change source data on another sheet and observe the updated result.

Tips While Using

• Make sure the referenced ranges match your calculation needs.
• After adding cross-sheet references, check the argument positions again.

4. Use nested formulas and automatic recalculation

Entry point: formula bar

1. Add another function inside the FORECAST arguments or wrap FORECAST inside an outer formula.
2. Press Enter after finishing the nested formula.
3. Change one of the referenced source cells.
4. Check whether the result updates automatically.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The nested formula returns a result.
• Next action available: The result updates when the source data changes.

Tips While Using

• Edit longer formulas in the formula bar for easier review.
• If the result looks incorrect, check the nested parts and referenced ranges step by step.