AVERAGE vs MATCH vs FORECAST
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AVERAGE vs MATCH vs FORECAST

Table of content

Basic Classification Comparison

  • Function Category 📊
    Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function types
    AVERAGE
    • Statistical
      AVERAGE belongs to the Statistical category. Excel functions for statistical analysis and calculations
    MATCH
    FORECAST
    • Statistical
      FORECAST belongs to the Statistical category. Excel functions for statistical analysis and calculations

  • Operation Type 🔧
    Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputs
    AVERAGE
    • Calculation
      AVERAGE performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
    MATCH
    • Retrieval
      MATCH performs Retrieval operations. Functions specialized in fetching data from various sources
    FORECAST
    • Calculation
      FORECAST performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations

Basic Information Comparison

  • Known For ⭐
    Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel function
    AVERAGE
    • Basic Statistical Calculation
      AVERAGE is known for Basic Statistical Calculation.
    MATCH
    • Position Finding
      MATCH is known for Position Finding.
    FORECAST
    • Linear Trend Prediction
      FORECAST is known for Linear Trend Prediction.

Facts Comparison

  • Interesting Fact 💡
    Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function
    AVERAGE
    • Most basic statistical function
    MATCH
    • Best friend of INDEX
    FORECAST
    • Based on least squares regression method

  • Sarcastic Fact 🤣
    Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function
    AVERAGE
    • Making averages average since Excel began
    MATCH
    • The function that plays hide and seek
    FORECAST
    • The crystal ball of Excel functions

Technical Details Comparison

  • Input Data Type 📝
    Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parameters
    For all*
    • Number
      Excel functions specifically designed for numerical calculations
    MATCH

  • Version Compatibility 💻
    Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.
    For all*
    • Excel 2019
      Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
    • Excel 2016
      Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
    • Excel 2013
      Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
    AVERAGE
    • Microsoft 365
      AVERAGE is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    • Excel Online
      AVERAGE is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform
    MATCH
    • Microsoft 365
      MATCH is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
    • Excel Online
      MATCH is compatible with Excel Online Excel functions optimized for use in the web-based Excel Online platform

  • Operating System 💾
    Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platforms
    For all*
    • Windows
      Excel functions optimized for Windows operating system
    • MacOS
      Excel functions optimized for MacOS users
    • Web Excel
      Excel functions available in web-based versions

  • Required Arguments Count 🔢
    Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properly
    AVERAGE
    MATCH
    FORECAST

  • Required Arguments Type 📊
    The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the function
    For all*
    • Number
      Excel functions that perform calculations specifically with numerical inputs
    • Array
      Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
    AVERAGE
    • Range
      AVERAGE accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
    MATCH
    • Range
      MATCH accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
    • Text
      MATCH accepts Text as input types Excel functions specialized in text string manipulation and processing

Evaluation Comparison

  • Pros ✅
    Key advantages and strengths of the Excel function
    AVERAGE
    • Simple To Use
    • Common Function
    • Universal
    MATCH
    • Flexible Matching
    • Works With INDEX
    • Versatile Search
    • Fast
    FORECAST
    • Statistical Accuracy
      Excel functions with high statistical accuracy ensure precise mathematical and analytical results
    • Trend Analysis
    • Professional
    • Scientific Prediction
    • Based On Historical Data
      Functions that analyze and process historical time-series data

  • Cons ❌
    Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel function
    AVERAGE
    MATCH
    • Requires Sorted Data
    • Complex Syntax
    • Requires Exact Matches
    FORECAST
    • Assumes Linear Relationship
    • Complex Setup
    • Sensitive To Outliers

Ratings Comparison

Alternatives to AVERAGE
MAX
Known for Finding Highest Value
MIN
Known for Finding Lowest Value
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
📊 is easier to use than AVERAGE
COUNTIF
Known for Counting With Conditions
🔢 needs fewer arguments than AVERAGE
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations
📊 is easier to use than AVERAGE
📈 is more versatile than AVERAGE
🛠 is more reliable than AVERAGE
⭐ is rated higher than AVERAGE
COUNTA
Known for Count Non-Empty Cells
📊 is easier to use than AVERAGE
📈 is more versatile than AVERAGE
🛠 is more reliable than AVERAGE
⭐ is rated higher than AVERAGE
PRODUCT
Known for Multiplying Numbers Together
ROUND
Known for Round Numbers
🔢 needs fewer arguments than AVERAGE
📊 is easier to use than AVERAGE
📈 is more versatile than AVERAGE
⭐ is rated higher than AVERAGE
FACT
Known for Calculate Factorials
AVERAGEIF
Known for Conditional Average Calculations
🔢 needs fewer arguments than AVERAGE