Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets from Coursera

By the end of this project, you will understand use cases for conducting forecasts in your workplace and be able to confidently conduct a trend forecast in any spreadsheet software. You will also understand when it is necessary to refine a model to improve the accuracy of forecasted trends.

There are many times when having a crystal ball might be useful and it’s natural to leverage trusted predictions of future outcomes to prepare and drive best results. Predictions come our way in the form of the forecasted data we consume regularly in our personal and business lives. This data covers everything from the weather to projected investment returns. At work we use forecasted data for a multitude of purposes including developing strategies, budgets, to provide the right amount of resources to meet demand, and to create the best customer experience possible. In this course, you will build baseline prediction skills with statistical forecasting by designing, creating, and interpreting a sales trend forecast. You will do this as we work side-by-side in the free-to-use software Google Sheets.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Predict Sales by Forecasting Trends in Google Sheets

By the end of this course, you will understand use cases for conducting forecasts in your workplace and be able to confidently conduct a trend forecast in any spreadsheet software. You will also understand when it is necessary to refine a model to improve the accuracy of forecasted trends.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Helps a broad range of learners, such as spreadsheet users, business analysts, and marketing professionals, build foundational forecasting skills

Provides clear steps of how to create, interpret, and refine a sales trend forecast, which could be very useful for learners in various roles such as sales, marketing, and finance

Utilizes hands-on, practical examples in a free-to-use tool, Google Sheets, that is likely to be familiar to the learners

Reviews summary

Imperfect google sheets forecasting course

Learners say this Google Sheets forecasting course offers limited formulas and may not be comprehensive enough for all.

The course may not offer enough practice opportunities.

"I was expecting to practice as the lecture goes on"

"the dual screen feature kept minimising my practice screen"

This course may not teach enough formulas.

"the formulas learned was limited"

"I would suggest that more details and information of the formulas used could be added"

Career center

Learners who complete Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to understand trends and patterns. They use this information to make predictions and develop models. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Statisticians with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use statistical models to make predictions. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use mathematical and statistical techniques to extract knowledge from data. They use this information to develop models and make predictions. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Data Scientists with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use data to make predictions. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use this information to make recommendations to improve business decisions. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Data Analysts with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use data to make data-driven decisions. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the success of their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers develop and implement machine learning models. They use these models to make predictions and decisions. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Machine Learning Engineers with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use data to develop machine learning models. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the development of artificial intelligence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts identify and solve business problems by analyzing data and developing solutions. They use a variety of techniques, including statistical forecasting, to make recommendations to improve business processes. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Business Analysts with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use data to solve business problems. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the success of their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to understand market trends and consumer behavior. They use this information to develop marketing strategies and campaigns. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Market Research Analysts with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and refine models to improve accuracy. This course will enable them to gather and analyze data more effectively and make better recommendations to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to solve business problems. They use this information to develop and improve business processes. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Operations Research Analysts with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use data to solve business problems. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the success of their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data. They use this information to make recommendations to investment managers. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Quantitative Analysts with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use data to make investment decisions. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the success of their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use a variety of techniques, including statistical forecasting, to make predictions about the economy. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Economists with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use data to make predictions about the economy. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the development of economic policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations to improve their performance. They use a variety of techniques, including statistical forecasting, to analyze data and develop recommendations. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Management Consultants with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use data to make recommendations. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the success of their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with a variety of stakeholders to gather requirements, define product specifications, and manage the product roadmap. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Product Managers with the skills to use data to make informed decisions about product development. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the success of their products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. They use this information to develop insurance and pension plans. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Actuaries with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use data to assess risk and uncertainty. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the financial security of individuals and organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They use a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Software Engineers with the skills to use data to develop software applications. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the development of innovative software products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst is responsible for making data-driven decisions for companies, which includes creating sales forecasts. They use statistical models to predict future outcomes and trends. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides a solid foundation for Financial Analysts, as they learn how to use statistical forecasting to create and interpret sales trend forecasts. This course will enhance their ability to make informed decisions and contribute to the company's success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts assess and manage risk for organizations. They use a variety of techniques, including statistical forecasting, to identify and mitigate risks. The course 'Predict Sales and Forecast Trends in Google Sheets' provides Risk Analysts with the skills to conduct trend forecasts and use data to manage risk. This course will help them to become more effective in their role and contribute to the safety and security of their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst