Forecast Definitions

Forecast Definitions

Every variable in Pluvo includes a forecast definition—this is the logic or input that drives your model forward.

Think of it as your planned or expected values for the future, defined either manually or using formulas.

Forecast defiitions can be found in the "forecast" column on every grid (figure 1)

figure 1: Forecast Definition

How to Define a Forecast

There are two main ways to define a forecast:

1. Manual Entry

Enter values directly into the grid for each time period.

Use this when the value is fixed or known in advance, like:

• 10,000 (Rent per month)

• 5 (New hires per quarter)

Simply click into the cell for each month and enter the value.

2. Formula-Based

Use a formula to calculate the forecast from other variables.

Examples:

• #unit_price * #units_sold

• #base_salary * #headcount

Pluvo applies formulas automatically across all time periods. Update an input, and the entire forecast adjusts instantly.

Inline Editing vs. Full-Variable Formulas

In Pluvo, you can define forecasts in two ways:

• Apply a formula to the entire variable (across all time periods)

• Manually edit or input a formula into individual cells using inline editing

Both methods are supported and can be mixed within the same variable—giving you control over how and where your forecast logic applies.

Full-Variable Formula

You can define a formula once that applies across every time period in the variable.

Use this when the logic is consistent over time, like: unit_price * volume

Any inline edits you make later will take precedence for the periods you manually adjust.

To create a full-variable formula, double click into the forecast column and type your formula.

Inline Editing (Single-Cell)

You can click into any cell in the grid and type a value or formula directly.

• Manual entries override the full-variable formula for that specific time period

• When you do this, the default formula ends the period before and resumes the period after

• You can input a constant value (e.g., 12000) or a formula (e.g., headcount * 8500)

• You can drag your inline formula across multiple cells to apply it over a range of periods

To revert an override:

• Delete the cell’s content and hit Enter

• The original full-variable formula will reapply automatically for that cell

Tips

• Start simple—use constants or basic formulas first

• Layer in complexity gradually using helper variables

• Use clear variable names to keep your logic readable

• Forecast logic applies across all scenarios by default

How It Works Across Scenarios

• Inline edits in the base scenario are applied across all scenarios

• Inline edits in alternate scenarios will delink that cell, allowing you to customize that period just for the selected scenario

This makes scenario planning flexible while keeping your base model intact.

Best Practices

• Use full-variable formulas when logic is consistent

• Use inline edits for exceptions, corrections, or one-off adjustments

• Drag local formulas when you want to apply specific logic across a limited timeframe

• Use clear naming and structure to keep logic traceable

Need help building or editing a forecast? Visit the Formulas guide or contact [email protected].