Moving Averages in Excel

Moving Average in Excel is used to find the average of rolling iteration data by using the AVERAGE function in multiple iterations. Moving average smooths the discrepancies in the data, which may have multiple ups and downs. We can use an inbuilt application for Moving Average, which can be accessed from the Data Analysis option under the Data menu ribbon. For this, select the input range and the output cell; this will automatically return the smoothened moving average data. If we want to use the AVERAGE function then, choose at least the last 3 iteration data. The moving Average method is widely used in Demand Forecasting, Prediction of the next value in many fields.

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The overall average of the 12 months sale is 184.

But the moving average is a little bit different here. Firstly excel moving average will calculate the average for the first three months, i.e. Jan, Feb, and Mar month.

Then it will leave out Jan for the next average calculation and takes only Feb, Mar, and April month data.

Like this moving average technique is taken into consideration in the latest data series to identify the trend of the data.

Overall average showed the trend as 184, but the moving average showed the trend as 216 based on the latest months data.

Types of Moving Averages

Different types of moving averages are available, like exponential, variable, triangular, weighted, and simple moving average. The most commonly used technique is the Simple Moving Average.

Where to Find Moving Average in Excel?

Moving Average is one of the many Data Analysis tools to excel. We do not get to see this option in Excel by default. Even though it is an in-built tool, it is not readily available to use and experience. We need to unleash this tool. If your excel is not showing this Data Analysis Toolpak follow our previous articles to unhide this tool.

After unhiding the Data Analysis Toolpak, you will see this under the DATA tab in excel.

Click on Data Analysis to see all the available Data Analysis tools under this tool. We have so many techniques under this belt; we will concentrate only on the Moving Average technique.

How to Calculate Moving Averages in Excel?

To calculate moving averages in excel is very simple and easy. Let’s understand the calculation of moving averages in excel with some examples.

You can download this Moving Averages Excel Template here – Moving Averages Excel Template

Example #1

We have already seen how moving average works with the simple sales data series. With the help of the average formula, we have calculated the excel moving average trend, but in this example, I will calculate the moving average under the Data Analysis tool.

Step 1: I will take the same data as above.

Step 2: Go to Data and Click on Data Analysis.

Step 3: It will open a Data Analysis dialog box. Scroll down and select the Moving Average option and click on OK.

Step 4: For Input Range, select the sales data from B2 to B13. We have not selected the heading so leave out Labels in the First Row check box.

Step 5: Under Interval, we need to mention for how many months we need the average to be taken out. I will mention the interval as 3.

Step 6: Select the Output Range cell as a C2 cell.

Step 7: Select the Chart Output if you need a chart to show the trend. Click OK to complete the moving average calculation.

Step 8: Now, we have resulted from C2 to C13. The first 2 cells show #N/A because we have selected the interval as 3 from the 3^rd cell onwards, we have results.