--- title: Trend or Average projection method description: Learn how to use the Historical Trend or Average projection method --- [Skip to content](https://help.planguru.com/knowledge/planguru-app-online/trend-or-average-projection-method#main-content) [![PlanGuru Help Center](https://help.planguru.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo_PlanGuru_helpcenter.png?width=360&height=50&name=logo_PlanGuru_helpcenter.png)](https://help.planguru.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) - [Your Tickets](https://help.planguru.com/tickets-view) - [Sign out](https://help.planguru.com/_hcms/mem/logout) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Your Tickets](https://help.planguru.com/tickets-view) - [Sign out](https://help.planguru.com/_hcms/mem/logout) - [Submit a Ticket](https://help.planguru.com/tickets-view/new) [Submit a Ticket](https://help.planguru.com/tickets-view/new?hsLang=en) Hello. What do you need help with? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.planguru.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [PlanGuru App (Online)](https://help.planguru.com/knowledge/planguru-app-online?hsLang=en) 3. [Forecasting & Modeling](https://help.planguru.com/knowledge/planguru-app-online?hsLang=en#forecasting-modeling) # Trend or Average projection method ## The Trend or Average projection method is useful for forecasting accounts with consistent historical data that you expect to continue into the future.     ### 1️⃣ Selecting the Method 1. Double-click on the account, **or** right-click and select **Edit**. 2. Choose **Trend / Average** as the projection method. ![Trend or Average](https://help.planguru.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Trend%20or%20Average.png?width=354&height=176&name=Trend%20or%20Average.png) --- ### 2️⃣ Trend Option The **Trend** option uses **linear regression analysis** to estimate future amounts: - PlanGuru calculates a slope using historical data points. - That slope is then extrapolated into future months. **Requirements:** - At least **2 years of data** for an **annual trend**. - At least **2 months of data** for a **monthly trend**. - Can use up to **5 years of historical data** for greater accuracy. #### Annual Trend - Select how to **allocate the annual result**: - Evenly across months. - Based on **last year’s proportions**. - Based on a **seasonality profile** (set in Assumptions tab).   ![Trend](https://help.planguru.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Trend.png?width=670&height=358&name=Trend.png) #### Monthly Trend - Choose one of two approaches: - **Trailing Consecutive Months** (e.g., last 3 months). - **Year-over-Year** (e.g., average of all past Januarys to project next January, and so on for each month). ![Trend monthly](https://help.planguru.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Trend%20monthly.png?width=353&height=193&name=Trend%20monthly.png) --- ### 3️⃣ Average Option The **Average** option calculates a forecast by taking a historical average: - Can be annual or monthly. - Example: Forecast **Office Supplies** based on the average of the past 6 months. ![Average](https://help.planguru.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Average.png?width=378&height=299&name=Average.png) --- ### 4️⃣ Review Grid The method window includes a grid showing: - **Historical amounts** used in the calculation. - **Future amounts** generated by the selected trend or average method. ![Monthly Grid](https://help.planguru.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Monthly%20Grid.png?width=670&height=445&name=Monthly%20Grid.png) --- ### 5️⃣ Applying the Method When ready: 1. Review your selections. 2. Click **Update** to apply the projection method. 3. 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