Joeu2004 Many thanks for such a speedy and comprehensive reply.

Yes. I would plot the cumulative revenue. Then we see a clearly
linear growth rate (R^2 = 0.999). The linear trendline suggests a
constant growth of about 6334 per month. But a simple average
indicates a constant growth of about 6385 per month. Indeed, using
the RSQ function, we find that the cumulative revenue based on the
average fits the actual cumulative revenue just as well as the linear
trendline.

You explain that I should plot cumulative revenue. So, just to be clear, I
would use the sum of the first month for point one, and then the sum of
months one and two for point two, then the sum of three months for point
three and so on. Using that I can see how you arrived at (R^2 = 0.999).

But, how can I interpret the trendline from this chart to see a constant
growth of 6334 as you indicate and the simple average of 6385.

Im trying the RSQ function for the first time right now so please check back
on this post.

Thanks,
Buck


Alternatively, you might look at the sum of or average monthly revenue
for each 1/3 of the year. The data suggests a pattern; but I am
relunctant to draw any conclusion about patterns based on a single
year. The middle third is about 7% lower and the last third is about
8% higher than the first third. Whether that suggests a seasonal
variation and whether that suggests an upward trend in the last third
is anyone's guess. There is too little data to draw any such
conclusions, IMHO. If you compare with similar data from at least 2
prior years, maybe you could draw a credible conclusion.