How to start a three-statement forecast from opening balance sheet
This guide focuses on the exact flow for users searching “how to start a forecast from opening balance” and “starting balance sheet forecast.”
1) Prepare the opening balance sheet
Confirm that the opening BS contains:
- Assets (positive sign), liabilities and equity (consistent sign convention), revenue, expense, and cash flow related balances
- Stable account code and/or account name matching your normal chart
- One sign style across the entire file (avoid mixed sign conventions)
2) Set forecast start and first assumptions
In the app, set Opening BS date and the forecast start is automatically advanced to the next period. Then set at least one transaction row for scenario setup.
- Use monthly setup for operational flow and cash planning.
- Use annual setup when only yearly planning is needed.
3) Import or input route and pre-run checks
- For CSV input, follow supported headers and check mapping result counts.
- For manual input, keep BS account naming consistent and fill one row at a time.
- Run once, review checks, then refine values in small increments.
4) Typical issues in opening BS forecast setup
When checks differ from expectation, first confirm:
- Forecast period alignment between opening BS and transaction month
- Transaction timing (monthly vs annual), growth, and lag inputs
- Negative sign handling for liabilities, equity, and contra accounts
5) How to move from free web run to paid output
You can plan and validate in the browser first. Use formula-linked Excel output when you need a fixed export artifact for sharing, archival, or external review.