What is the syntax for FORECAST.ETS in Excel?

The syntax for FORECAST.ETS is: =FORECAST.ETS(target_date, values, timeline, [seasonality], [data_completion], [aggregation])

What are common errors with FORECAST.ETS?

Requires at least 2 seasons of data

How do I use the FORECAST.ETS function?

To use FORECAST.ETS, type =FORECAST.ETS( in a cell and provide the required arguments. Excel will show you the syntax and parameter hints as you type. Make sure to close the parentheses and press Enter to execute the function.

What type of data does FORECAST.ETS work with?

FORECAST.ETS works with numerical data and can handle ranges, arrays, and individual values. It ignores text values and empty cells in its calculations, focusing only on numeric data for accurate statistical analysis.

Why is FORECAST.ETS not working in my Excel?

Common issues with FORECAST.ETS include Requires at least 2 seasons of data. Start by checking the syntax =FORECAST.ETS(target_date, values, timeline, [seasonality], [data_completion], [aggregation]), then verify each referenced cell or range.

Statistical

FORECAST.ETS Function in Excel

Returns a future value based on existing values using AAA version of Exponential Smoothing.

Syntax

=FORECAST.ETS(target_date, values, timeline, [seasonality], [data_completion], [aggregation])

Arguments

target_date (required): Date to forecast
values (required): Historical values
timeline (required): Historical dates
seasonality (optional): Season length (0=auto)
data_completion (optional): Handle missing data
aggregation (optional): Aggregation method

Examples

=FORECAST.ETS(DATE(2025,1,1), B2:B25, A2:A25) - Forecast for Jan 2025 - Result: Predicted value

FORECAST.ETS for data analysis

Confirm whether you need entire columns, filtered subsets, or distinct values.
Use [COUNTIFS](/functions/countifs/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/) for multi-criteria metrics.
Pivot tables complement single-cell statistical formulas for exploration.

Common errors

Requires at least 2 seasons of data

Use cases

Sales forecasting
Demand planning
Time series analysis

Frequently asked questions

What is the FORECAST.ETS function in Excel? FORECAST.ETS returns a future value based on existing values using AAA version of Exponential Smoothing. The syntax is =FORECAST.ETS(target_date, values, timeline, [seasonality], [data_completion], [aggregation]). Typical use cases include sales forecasting, demand planning, time series analysis.
How do I use the FORECAST.ETS function? To use FORECAST.ETS, type =FORECAST.ETS( in a cell and provide the required arguments. Excel will show you the syntax and parameter hints as you type. Make sure to close the parentheses and press Enter to execute the function.
What type of data does FORECAST.ETS work with? FORECAST.ETS works with numerical data and can handle ranges, arrays, and individual values. It ignores text values and empty cells in its calculations, focusing only on numeric data for accurate statistical analysis.
Why is FORECAST.ETS not working in my Excel? Common issues with FORECAST.ETS include Requires at least 2 seasons of data. Start by checking the syntax =FORECAST.ETS(target_date, values, timeline, [seasonality], [data_completion], [aggregation]), then verify each referenced cell or range.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.