Moving Average Sales Forecast This template calculates a moving average sales forecast based on past sales activity. It calculates a moving average based on the past 12 months, 6 months, and 3 months of sales data. Moving averages are sometimes useful in spotting trends however, it should be used in conjunction with other forecasting techniques since future experience is not always a reflection of past experience. A moving average works by "dropping off" the oldest data. You can use any starting month by entering the first three letters of the month (e.g., Feb) in the first month cell. To view the template, click the worksheet tab labeled Template at the bottom of the screen or press Ctrl-PgDn. With the exception of data entry cells, all cells are protected. Use the Tab key to move from one unprotected cell to the next. Moving Average Sales Forecast <--Enter time period in cell to the left Forecasted Sales Based on: 1 Year 6 Month 3 Month Actual Moving Moving Moving Running Total Sales Average Average Average of Actual Sales 1999 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total