How to Use Excel GROWTH Function (4 Easy Methods)

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The GROWTH function is a built-in function of Microsoft Excel. Besides, we can use this function in financial statistics, regression analysis, and predicting target revenues. Furthermore, it is a worksheet function in Excel, which means we can use this function in combination with other functions in Excel. In this article, I will discuss the details of this function. Moreover, I will show you some applications of the GROWTH function.


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Introduction to Excel GROWTH Function

  • Summary

The GROWTH function is a statistical function in Excel. This function is used to calculate predictive exponential growth for a given set of data. The GROWTH function uses the equation:

y = b*ex 

Where b is the y-intercept of the curve. And, m is the slope parameter of the curve, which can also be written as:

y=b*eln(m)x

  • Syntax

GROWTH(known_ys, [known_xs], [new_xs], [const])

Introduction to Excel GROWTH Function

  • Arguments
Argument Requirement Explanation
known_ys Required This is the set of known y values.
known_xs Optional This is the set of known x values. If this parameter is not given, the formula uses (1,2,3..) as the known_xs parameter. If a user provides this argument, it should be of the same length as the set of known_ys.
new_xs Optional It is the x values that are used to return the corresponding y values.
const Optional This is either a TRUE or FALSE value. TRUE indicates that the constant b is calculated normally. Here, FALSE means that the constant b is set to 1,  and the m-values are adjusted so that y = mx. If this parameter is not given, the formula assumes the constant parameter as TRUE.
  • Return Value

The GROWTH function returns numbers in an exponential growth trend matching known data points. This function returns y values for a series of new x values that we specify using existing x values and y values.

  • Available in Version

Office 365, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2011 for Mac, Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Excel XP, Excel 2000.


4 Examples to Use Excel GROWTH Function

1. Calculate Growth Between Two Data Range Using Excel GROWTH Function

Suppose, we have a dataset containing two data ranges (X Values and Y Values). So, now, we will calculate the growth between these two data ranges using the GROWTH function.

Steps:

  • First, type the below formula in Cell E5.
=GROWTH(C5:C13,B5:B13)

Calculate Growth Between Two Data Range Using Excel GROWTH Function

  • As a result, we will get the growth of X Values as below:


2. Excel GROWTH Function to Predict Year-wise Revenue

Often, the GROWTH function is used to predict revenue/sales growth yearly or monthly. For instance, we have a dataset containing a company’s year-wise revenue. Now, we will calculate the revenue for the year: 2018.

Excel GROWTH Function to Predict Year-wise Revenue

Steps:

  • Initially, type the following formula in Cell E13.
=GROWTH(C5:C12,B5:B12,B13)

Excel GROWTH Function to Predict Year-wise Revenue

  • Next, hit Enter. Lastly, you will get the growth of the revenue for 2018.


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3. Combination of Excel ROUND and GROWTH Functions

In Method 2, we have calculated the growth of the year 2018, which is $278,542.71. Later, if you want to round this revenue value to zero decimal place, you can use the ROUND function in Excel. So, here are the steps involved in the method.

Steps:

  • First, type the below formula in Cell E13.
=ROUND(GROWTH(C5:C12,B5:B12,B13),0)

Combination of Excel ROUND and GROWTH Functions

Here, the ROUND function rounds the result of the GROWTH formula ($278,542.71) to zero decimal place.

  • As a consequence, the approximate revenue of the year 2018 is $278,542.


4. Apply GROWTH Function As an Array in Excel

In this example, we will calculate the growth for a range of x-values. For example, we have a dataset containing the revenue from year: 2010-2015. Now, we will calculate the growth for the next 3 years (2016-2018). However, you have to enter the function to complete the calculation. So, let’s go through the process.

Apply GROWTH Function As an Array in Excel

Steps:

  • First, type the below formula in Cell C11.
=GROWTH(C5:C10,B5:B10,B11:B13)

Apply GROWTH Function As an Array in Excel

  • Finally, you will get the growth of revenue for the year: 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Apply GROWTH Function As an Array in Excel

Note:

➤ In Microsoft 365, simply writing the GROWTH formula will serve the purpose. But, in other versions of Excel, you have to press CTRL + SHIFT + Enter to execute the formula as an array function. Here, the curly brackets indicate about the function is executed as an array.


Things to Remember

Be careful with the syntax of the GROWTH function while using it. Because, if you type the wrong syntax, the formula will return errors. So, let’s see some common errors related to this function:

  • #REF! –  When the [known_xs] range length is not similar to known_ys.
  • #NUM! – When the value of  known_ys. Is less than or equal to zero.
  • #VALUE! – When the value of  known_ys,  [known_xs], [new_xs] is supplied as text or the values are non-numeric.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that the GROWTH function is very effective in calculating predictive exponential growth. In the above article, I have tried to discuss the methods elaborately. Hopefully, these methods and explanations will be enough to solve your problems. Please let me know if you have any queries.


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Hosne Ara

Hosne Ara

Hi, This is Hosne Ara. Currently, I do write for ExcelDemy. I have a long experience working with different industries and I have seen how vast the scope of Microsoft Excel is. So, eventually, I started to write articles on Excel and VBA. Basically, my articles are targeted to help people who are working in Excel. By profession, I am an Engineer. Materials and Metallurgical Engineering is my major. Besides, I am a certified Project Manager (PMP) too. I have worked with Power Plant and IT industry earlier. As a person, I am detail-oriented and love doing research. Establishing a greener world is one of my mottos.

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