Statistical

GROWTH Function in Excel

Returns values along an exponential trend.

Syntax

  • =GROWTH(known_y's, [known_x's], [new_x's], [const])

Arguments

  • known_y's (required): Known y values
  • known_x's (optional): Known x values
  • new_x's (optional): X values for predictions
  • const (optional): TRUE to calculate constant

Examples

  • =GROWTH(B1:B10, A1:A10, A11:A15) - Predict exponential growth - Result: Predicted values

Excel GROWTH function documentation

  • GROWTH returns y values for exponential growth curve fit to known data.
  • Syntax: =GROWTH(known_y's, [known_x's], [new_x's]). Models constant percentage growth.
  • Use when data rises multiplicatively — users, viral metrics, compound metrics.
  • Related: [TREND](/functions/trend/), [LOGEST](/functions/logest/), [EXP](/functions/exp/).

GROWTH syntax

  • known_y's must be positive for log-linear fit — zeros/errors.
  • known_x's optional index like TREND.
  • new_x's for projection points.
  • Assumes exponential model — wrong for linear data — compare R² informally via chart.

Step-by-step: project subscriber growth

  • Step 1 — Month index and subscriber counts (all positive).
  • Step 2 — =GROWTH(B2:B13, A2:A13, A14:A18) for 5 future months.
  • Step 3 — Compare TREND on same data — pick lower error visually.
  • Step 4 — Log chart y-axis to inspect exponential fit.
  • Step 5 — Cap projections with business sanity limits.

GROWTH vs TREND vs LOGEST

  • GROWTH — exponential fit y values.
  • TREND — linear fit.
  • LOGEST — regression statistics array.
  • Choose model based on scatter shape not convenience.

Worked examples to copy

  • Project: =GROWTH(y, x, new_x).
  • Fitted: =GROWTH(B2:B10, A2:A10).
  • Default x index: =GROWTH(y_values).
  • Guard: =IFERROR(GROWTH(...), "Need positive y").

People also ask

  • GROWTH negative y? — #NUM! — requires positive known_y's.
  • GROWTH vs CAGR manual? — CAGR single rate; GROWTH fits all points.
  • GROWTH Excel 365 spill? — Yes dynamic array output.
  • GROWTH Google Sheets? — GROWTH(known_y, [known_x], [new_x]).

Common errors

  • Y values must be positive

Use cases

  • Growth forecasting
  • Population projection
  • Sales prediction

Frequently asked questions

  • What is GROWTH function used for? GROWTH predicts values along an exponential trend. Given historical data showing exponential patterns (like compound growth), it calculates future values. Unlike LOGEST which returns parameters, GROWTH directly returns predicted Y values for new X values.
  • How do I forecast with GROWTH? Use =GROWTH(known_y, known_x, new_x). Example: If sales doubled each year (100, 200, 400 for years 1-3), =GROWTH({100,200,400}, {1,2,3}, {4,5}) predicts years 4-5. The function fits an exponential curve and extrapolates.
  • What's the difference between GROWTH and TREND? TREND fits a straight line (linear growth). GROWTH fits an exponential curve (percentage growth). Use TREND when values increase by a constant amount; use GROWTH when values increase by a constant percentage or multiply over time.

Editorial review

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

When to use GROWTH

  • Growth forecasting — common Statistical scenario for GROWTH.
  • Population projection — common Statistical scenario for GROWTH.
  • Sales prediction — common Statistical scenario for GROWTH.

GROWTH in the Statistical category

  • Browse all Statistical functions at /categories/statistical/ for related formulas.
  • GROWTH syntax: =GROWTH(known_y's, [known_x's], [new_x's], [const])
  • known_y's (required): Known y values
  • known_x's (optional): Known x values
  • new_x's (optional): X values for predictions
  • const (optional): TRUE to calculate constant
  • Confirm GROWTH arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.

Formula checklist before you copy down

  • Confirm GROWTH arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
  • If results look wrong, check for text stored as numbers and invisible spaces with TRIM.
  • Spot-check three known input rows manually against expected output.

Related Excel functions

  • LOGEST (/functions/logest/): Returns the parameters of an exponential trend using least squares.
  • TREND (/functions/trend/): Returns values along a linear trend.
  • FORECAST.LINEAR (/functions/forecast-linear/): Calculates a future value using linear regression.

Errors to watch for

  • Y values must be positive — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.

Copy-paste audit workflow

  • Enter GROWTH on three test rows with known expected output documented on a QA tab.
  • Fill down only after absolute references are locked on lookup tables and rate tables.
  • Compare against manual calculation or a calculator for financial and statistical functions.
  • Search this directory for comparison guides when choosing between similar functions in the same category.

GROWTH worked examples to copy

  • =GROWTH(B1:B10, A1:A10, A11:A15) — Predict exponential growth. Expected result: Predicted values.

GROWTH reference summary for crawlers and offline review

  • GROWTH belongs to the Statistical category in Excel. Returns values along an exponential trend.
  • Full syntax: =GROWTH(known_y's, [known_x's], [new_x's], [const]). Open /functions/growth/ for parameters, FAQs, and related pages.
  • Common mistakes: Y values must be positive
  • Pair this function with comparison guides when another Excel formula might fit the same task better.
  • Review fix-excel-formula-errors when unexpected errors appear after upgrading Excel or sharing across locales.