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GROWTH Function

Excel 2007+

Summary

The GROWTH function predicts future values using exponential regression analysis. It calculates y-values for new x-values based on existing data points following the exponential relationship y = b*m^x, perfect for modeling compound growth, population expansion, or any exponentially increasing trends.

Syntax

GROWTH(known_y's, [known_x's], [new_x's], [const])

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
known_y's	`Array`	Yes	Array of known y-values (must be positive). Single column treats known_x's columns as variables; single row treats rows as variables.
known_x's	`Array`	No	Array of known x-values. Can include multiple variable sets. Must match known_y's dimensions.
new_x's	`Array`	No	Array of new x-values for predictions. Must match known_x's structure.
const	`Boolean`	No	Logical value: TRUE calculates b normally, FALSE forces b=1 and adjusts m-values.

Using the GROWTH Function

GROWTH excels at forecasting exponential trends like sales growth, bacterial population, radioactive decay, or compound interest. Select a range equal to your prediction needs, enter the formula, and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter (Excel 365 auto-handles arrays).

Common GROWTH Examples

Basic Sales Growth Prediction

=GROWTH(B2:B7,A2:A7)

Predicts next period sales using 6 months of historical data. Enter as array formula over 6 cells.

Future Month Projections

=GROWTH(B2:B7,A2:A7,A9:A10)

Predicts units for months 17-18 based on months 11-16 data. Returns predicted values: 320,197 and 468,536.

Force Through Origin

=GROWTH(B2:B7,A2:A7,C2:C7,FALSE)

Fits curve through origin (b=1) for proportional growth scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Known_y's contains 0 or negative values. Exponential growth requires positive y-values.

Yes in Excel 2019 and earlier (array formula). Excel 365 handles automatically.

Excel assumes sequential values {1,2,3,...} matching known_y's size.

Common Errors and Solutions

#NUM!

Cause: known_y's contains 0 or negative values

Solution: Ensure all known_y's values are positive

#VALUE!

Cause: Array dimension mismatch between known_y's, known_x's, new_x's

Solution: Match array shapes: same number of rows/columns per variable

Single cell result

Cause: Formula not entered as array formula

Solution: Select output range first, then use Ctrl+Shift+Enter

Notes

Requires array formula entry (select range → formula → Ctrl+Shift+Enter)
Use semicolons for array constants in some regional settings
Perfect complement to LOGEST for comprehensive exponential analysis
Multi-variable support enables complex growth modeling

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in: Excel 2003, Excel XP, Excel 2000

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+