The following calculations demonstrate differences between the different moving math options available via custom reference lines. This example uses an additive measure, such as units, for time-series analyses that show actual values, such as the Trend.
Data values are as follows:
Week 1 = 45
Week 2 = 25
Week 3 = 50
Week 4 = 35
Week 5 = 100
Week 6 = 60
Moving Total option
The following calculations use a setting of four weeks. You could change this to five weeks, six weeks, etc.
Week 4 moving total = 45 + 25 + 50 + 35 = 155
Week 5 moving total = 25 + 50 + 35 + 100 = 210
Week 6 moving total = 50 + 35 + 100 + 60 = 245
Moving Average option
The following calculations use a setting of four weeks. You could change this to five weeks, six weeks, etc.
Week 4 moving average = (45 + 25 + 50 + 35)/4 = 38.75
Week 5 moving average = (25 + 50 + 35 + 100)/4 = 52.5
Week 6 moving average = (50 + 35 + 100 + 60)/4 = 61.25
Cumulative Total option
Week 1 cumulative = 45
Week 2 cumulative = 45 + 25 = 70
Week 3 cumulative = 45 + 25 + 50 = 120
Week 4 cumulative = 45 + 25 + 50 + 35 = 155
Week 5 cumulative = 45 + 25 + 50 + 35 + 100 = 255
Week 6 cumulative = 45 + 25 + 50 + 35 + 100 + 60 = 315
Cumulative Average option
Week 1 cumulative average = 45/1 = 45
Week 2 cumulative average = (45 + 25)/2 = 35
Week 3 cumulative average = (45 + 25 + 50)/3 = 40
Week 4 cumulative average = (45 + 25 + 50 + 35)/4 = 38.75
Week 5 cumulative average = (45 + 25 + 50 + 35 + 100)/5 = 51
Week 6 cumulative average = (45 + 25 + 50 + 35 + 100 + 60)/6 = 52.5