Compact mode

SUM vs COUNT vs FORECAST

Table of content

Basic Classification Comparison
Usage Context Comparison
Basic Information Comparison
History Comparison
Facts Comparison

Usage Information Comparison
Technical Details Comparison
Evaluation Comparison
Ratings Comparison

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

SUM

Mathematical

SUM belongs to the Mathematical category. Excel functions for performing mathematical calculations Click to see all.

COUNT

Mathematical

COUNT belongs to the Mathematical category. Excel functions for performing mathematical calculations Click to see all.

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

For all*

Calculation

Excel functions for performing various calculations

Usage Context Comparison

Basic Information Comparison

Known For ⭐

Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel function

SUM

Basic Arithmetic Calculations

SUM is known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations.

COUNT

Counting Numeric Cells

COUNT is known for Counting Numeric Cells.

FORECAST

Linear Trend Prediction

FORECAST is known for Linear Trend Prediction.

History Comparison

Creation Date 📅

Original release date of the Excel function

SUM

Excel 2.0

SUM was created in Excel 2.0. Functions introduced in the Excel 2.0 version release Click to see all.

COUNT

Excel 2.0

COUNT was created in Excel 2.0. Functions introduced in the Excel 2.0 version release Click to see all.

FORECAST

Excel 97

FORECAST was created in Excel 97. Functions first available in Excel 97 version Click to see all.
Created By 👤

Organization or team responsible for developing the function

For all*

Microsoft Excel Team

Functions officially created by the Microsoft Excel development team

Facts Comparison

Interesting Fact 💡

Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel function

SUM

Most commonly used function in Excel

COUNT

Originally designed for VisiCalc spreadsheets

FORECAST

Based on least squares regression method
Sarcastic Fact 🤣

Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel function

SUM

Making adding numbers look complicated since 1985

COUNT

Keeps counting even when you wish it would stop

FORECAST

The crystal ball of Excel functions

Usage Information Comparison

Formula Complexity Level 📖

Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectively

SUM

Simple

SUM has a Simple complexity level. Basic Excel functions for common calculations and tasks Click to see all.

COUNT

Simple

COUNT has a Simple complexity level. Basic Excel functions for common calculations and tasks Click to see all.

FORECAST

Advanced

FORECAST has a Advanced complexity level. Complex Excel functions for sophisticated calculations and operations Click to see all.

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

COUNT

Array

COUNT accepts Array as input data. Excel functions designed to work with arrays and ranges of data Click to see all.

Range

COUNT accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
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

SUM

Microsoft 365

SUM is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform

Excel Online

SUM 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

SUM

1

SUM needs 1 required arguments Click to see all.

COUNT

1

COUNT needs 1 required arguments Click to see all.

FORECAST

3

FORECAST needs 3 required arguments Click to see all.
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

SUM

Range

SUM accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations

COUNT

Range

COUNT accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations

Evaluation Comparison

Pros ✅

Key advantages and strengths of the Excel function

SUM

Easy To Use

Widely Recognized

Versatile

Fast Calculation

COUNT

Fast And Efficient

Easy To Understand

Functions with clear and intuitive syntax that are simple to learn

Widely Used

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

SUM

Limited To Numbers Only

Cannot Handle Text

No Text Handling

COUNT

Limited To Numbers Only

Ignores Text Cells

FORECAST

Assumes Linear Relationship

Complex Setup

Sensitive To Outliers