Based on its name, the FORECAST function seems like an odd choice. But if they are not, we could have a slightly skewed result.Īlternatively, we could use Excel’s FORECAST function (or FORECAST.LINEAR in Excel 2016 and beyond). This would work if the results were perfectly linear (i.e., the X and Y values move directly in sync with each other). In terms of answering the question, there are several scenarios that would lead to different solutions.įirstly, we could just use simple mathematics.
Conclusion Options for interpolation with Excel.Interpolation when the data is not linear.Interpolation when approximately linear.Interpolation using the FORECAST function.Then you’ll be able to work along with examples and see the solution in action, plus the file will be useful for future reference.ĭownload the file: 0020 Interpolate with Excel.xlsx I recommend you download the example file for this post.
To estimate that it would take 2 hours to walk 8 miles would be extrapolation as the estimate is outside of the known values.Įxcel is an excellent tool for interpolation, as ultimately, it is a big visual calculator. This is not to be confused with extrapolation, which estimates values outside of the data set. “I have an Excel question – Is there a way to interpolate a value from a table? I have an X and Y that are not on the table, but have correlated data so want to calculate the interpolated value”.Īs a simple example, if it took 15 minutes to walk 1 mile on Monday and 1 hour to walk 4 miles on Tuesday, we could reasonably estimate it would take 30 minutes to walk 2 miles. In fact, it was the following question from a reader which first made me look into this topic: As this is an Excel blog, then clearly the question we want to answer is: can we interpolate with Excel. Interpolation is the process of estimating data points within an existing data set.
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