Sales forecasting software: 12 top tools for accurate revenue projections

Sales forecasting is the backbone of your business strategy. If your forecast is off, everyone from finance to HR is left guessing — not planning.

The secret to sales forecasting that actually works? Saying goodbye to outdated spreadsheets and bringing all your data together with AI-powered workflow management. By automating the manual work and giving your team a live, interactive view of your entire pipeline, the best sales forecasting tools deliver clarity, unity, and the confidence to hit your revenue goals. In this article, we’ll break down the top software solutions (including monday CRM) to help you find the right fit for your team’s next big win.

Key takeaways

• Accurate sales forecasting is crucial for business strategy, affecting everything from finance to HR planning, and without it, teams are forced to react rather than strategically plan ahead.
• The best forecasting tools integrate seamlessly with your CRM, providing real-time pipeline visibility and automating data collection to eliminate manual spreadsheet work.
• AI-powered forecasting capabilities are transforming revenue predictions from guesswork to data-driven strategy, helping teams spot risks and opportunities that humans might miss.
• Pipeline forecasting, historical analysis, and stage-based probability methods can be combined for the most comprehensive and accurate sales projections.
• Platforms like monday CRM offer visual, customizable forecasting that connects sales data with broader processes, creating a single source of truth that aligns entire organizations.

What is sales forecasting software?

Think of sales forecasting software as the ultimate playbook for your revenue goals, swapping out gut feelings for clear, data-backed predictions. It crunches all your sales numbers automatically, so your team can stop wrestling with messy spreadsheets and start seeing what’s really coming down the pike.

By plugging directly into your CRM, this software analyzes your pipeline to show you which deals are on track and which might need a little nudge. We’re talking real-time visibility that helps your team spot trends and probabilities, giving everyone the power to make smarter, faster moves.

Having this superpower built right into your CRM, like we do with monday CRM, is a total game-changer for keeping everyone aligned and focused. It gives your team the control and confidence to not just set ambitious stretch goals, but to actually hit them together.

Why accurate sales forecasting matters

Inaccurate business forecasting doesn’t just lead to missed targets; it creates ripple effects of uncertainty across an entire organization. Without a clear view of future revenue, confident resource allocation becomes impossible, leading to frantic, end-of-quarter scrambles. The difference between guessing and knowing is the foundation of strategic plan.

This clarity empowers the whole crew to move in sync. When finance, operations, and sales all work from the same reliable projections, they can plan ahead with aggregate planning, transforming disparate departments into an aligned, unstoppable team building toward the same win.

Common methods for forecasting sales

Pipeline forecasting is a team favorite for a reason: it gives you a real-time snapshot based on where deals are in your sales cycle. This method gives us a clear, immediate view of potential revenue, turning our active pipeline into a powerful predictive tool. The key is to keep that data sharp and your sales stages well-defined, something a CRM with project management makes second nature.

Looking at historical trends is like rewatching game tape to prepare for the next match. We analyze past performance and seasonal patterns to anticipate future results, which is a game-changer for spotting growth opportunities and capacity planning . When combined with live pipeline data, this approach gives us a balanced view of where we’ve been and where we’re going.

For the most accurate predictions, we can tap into AI transformation that analyzes multiple variables at once. This powerful method combines everything from deal engagement and rep activity to market signals, giving us an incredibly sharp, data-backed forecast. It’s like having a strategy coach who spots patterns we might miss, boosting our confidence to make smarter, faster decisions.

Here are some key sales forecasting methods:

• Pipeline forecasting: Real-time revenue predictions based on your current sales stages
• Historical analysis: Using past performance data to identify seasonal patterns and growth trends
• AI-powered forecasting: Advanced predictions that analyze multiple variables simultaneously for superior accuracy
• Combined approach: Integrating pipeline data with historical trends for a comprehensive forecast view
• Stage-based probability: Assigning likelihood percentages to deals based on their position in your sales process

Key features to look for in a sales forecasting tool

The right forecasting tool should provide a significant advantage by clearing the path to closing deals, not cluttering it with manual data entry and confusing reports. Your primary goal should be to find a platform that delivers a crystal-clear view of the pipeline, enabling decisive action and collective wins.

A seamless, non-negotiable connection to your CRM is the foundation of any great forecast. When every deal update syncs automatically, your projections remain fresh and reliable, freeing up the team to concentrate on selling rather than wrestling with spreadsheet software. This single source of truth ensures everyone is working with the same numbers and pulling in the same direction.

Beyond data integration, the best programs empower teams with smarter insights and effortless collaboration. Seek out customizable dashboards that give each person the exact view they need, complemented by AI capabilities that confidently spot trends and predict outcomes.

12 best tools for reliable sales projections

Choosing the right forecasting tool can be a pivotal moment for hitting your revenue targets. The ideal platform isn’t defined by an endless list of features, but by how well it integrates into your team’s daily rhythm. The objective is to find a tool that clicks with your workflow, not one that complicates it.

We’ve evaluated the top contenders available to help you make a confident choice. Whether you’re a nimble startup or a powerhouse enterprise, there’s a perfect match here to provide the visibility you need to call your shot and secure the win. Here’s a quick-look comparison chart:

Keep reading for a deep dive into the top 12 sales forecasting options for busy teams:

1. monday CRM

By combining intuitive visual pipelines with AI-powered insights, monday CRM turns sales forecasting from guesswork into data-driven strategy. It helps teams predict revenue with confidence while streamlining their entire sales process, making it perfect for those who want sophisticated forecasting without the complexity of enterprise-level systems.

Use case: Teams seeking visual, customizable sales forecasting that integrates seamlessly with broader processes

Key features

• Deal value tracking with customizable close probabilities for accurate revenue predictions
• AI-powered predictive insights that analyze historical data and market trends to identify at-risk deals
• Customizable dashboards with real-time forecast vs. actual performance tracking by month, rep, or team

Powerful automations

• Automatic deal stage updates based on activity triggers and milestones
• Smart notifications that alert reps when deals need attention
• Custom workflow recipes that instantly route leads to the right team members

200+ Integrations

• Native email integrations with Gmail, Outlook, and other providers
• Bi-directional sync with marketing platforms like HubSpot and Mailchimp
• Easy connections to Slack, Teams, and other collaboration tools

Advanced AI features

• AI-generated deal summaries that capture key insights from customer interactions
• Smart opportunity scoring that prioritizes your pipeline based on win probability
• Predictive analytics that identify patterns and trends human eyes might miss

Pricing

• Free: $0 (up to 2 seats, limited features)
• Basic: $9/seat/month (billed annually)
• Standard: $12/seat/month (billed annually)
• Pro: $19/seat/month (billed annually, includes sales forecasting)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing with advanced features
• All paid plans include a 14-day free trial

Why it stands out

• Visual pipeline management makes complex forecasting data instantly understandable for the entire team
• Work OS foundation allows sales forecasting to connect with project management and post-sales activities
• No-code automations reduce manual data entry while maintaining forecast accuracy

2. Salesforce

For enterprise organizations requiring immense power and predictive analytics, Salesforce provides enterprise-grade sales forecasting. Its platform combines comprehensive CRM data with Einstein AI to deliver advanced modeling capabilities, making it the go-to choice for large organizations that need sophisticated tools to transform how they approach revenue planning.

Use case: Enterprise organizations that need comprehensive sales forecasting with AI-powered predictive analytics and extensive customization capabilities

Key features

• Einstein AI forecasting that analyzes historical data and opportunity details to generate predictive forecasts with confidence ranges
• Collaborative forecasting with customizable forecast hierarchies based on user roles or territories for team-wide visibility
• Real-time pipeline management with forecast categories, quota tracking, and opportunity splits for complex sales teams

Pricing

• Contact Salesforce sales representatives for detailed pricing information
• Most subscriptions are paid annually in advance
• Pricing varies by product and solution (Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, etc.)
• Advanced Einstein Forecasting features typically available in higher-tier plans or as add-ons

Considerations

• Requires significant setup time and dedicated admin resources to configure properly for complex sales processes
• Higher cost compared to many competitors, which can be prohibitive for smaller businesses without enterprise budgets

3. HubSpot

HubSpot’s strength lies in its all-in-one CRM platform, which seamlessly integrates sales forecasting with marketing automation and customer service tools. Specializing in the inbound marketing methodology and user-friendly interfaces, it is built for growing businesses that want to scale without complexity. Its freemium model allows small teams to start forecasting immediately while providing enterprise-grade features as they expand.

Use case: Growing businesses that need integrated sales forecasting within a comprehensive marketing and sales ecosystem

Key features

• Deal stage-based forecasting with customizable probability models and AI-powered projections
• Multi-pipeline forecasting that supports both sales and service team revenue tracking
• Team hierarchy management with rollup views and granular permissions for forecast visibility

Pricing

• Sales Hub Starter: $20/month (billed annually)
• Sales Hub Professional: $100/month (billed annually)
• Sales Hub Enterprise: $150/month (billed annually)
• Forecasting features available in Professional and Enterprise tiers only

Considerations

• Forecasting accuracy heavily depends on data quality and consistent CRM usage across teams
• Advanced forecasting capabilities require higher-tier plans, which can become expensive for smaller businesses

4. Zoho

Offering enterprise-level forecasting without the enterprise price tag, Zoho CRM provides a comprehensive solution within an integrated business suite designed for small to medium businesses. The platform combines AI-powered predictions with customizable reporting, and with over 250,000 businesses already using it, Zoho proves that powerful forecasting doesn’t have to break the budget.

Use case: Small to midsize businesses seeking affordable, AI-enhanced sales forecasting integrated with a complete business management ecosystem

Key features

• AI-powered predictive forecasting through Zia assistant that analyzes historical data and provides target achievement predictions
• Multiple conditional forecasts with flexible metrics including deal value, units sold, and custom parameters
• Hierarchical pipeline visibility with “Best case” and “Committed” deal categorization for realistic revenue projections

Pricing

• Free Edition: Free for up to 3 users with basic forecasting capabilities
• Standard: $14/user/month (billed annually) includes sales forecasting and workflows
• Professional: $23/user/month (billed annually) adds advanced pipeline management and integrations
• Enterprise: $40/user/month (billed annually) includes Zia AI assistant and territory management
• Ultimate: $52/user/month (billed annually) features enhanced AI and advanced analytics
• Team Users: $9/team user/month (billed annually) for non-sales team members

Considerations

• Forecasting accuracy heavily depends on consistent data entry and may require significant customization for complex sales processes
• Advanced forecasting features and higher customization levels are only available in higher-tier paid plans

5. Pipedrive

Designed by salespeople for salespeople, Pipedrive simplifies forecasting into a clear, visual drag-and-drop experience. It relies on well-defined pipeline stages and weighted deal probabilities, allowing small and medium-sized teams to keep revenue targets in sight—minus the enterprise bloat.

Use case: SMB sales teams that want an easy-to-read, highly visual forecast without the complexity (or price tag) of big-box CRMs

Key features

• Visual pipeline management with drag-and-drop deals and fully customizable stages
• Weighted, stage-based forecasting backed by historical data—plus AI Sales Assistant nudges that flag stalled deals or missed activities
• Real-time dashboards and custom reports that track deal velocity, win rates, and conversion milestones
• Mobile apps, email integrations, and an ever-growing Marketplace of 400+ apps to round out your stack

Pricing

• Lite: $14/month
• Growth: $39/month
• Premium: $49/month
• Ultimate: $79/month
• All plans come with a 14-day free trial (no credit card needed)

Considerations

• Advanced forecasting features (e.g., multi-currency roll-ups, territory management) are limited compared to true enterprise solutions.
• Forecast accuracy depends on disciplined data entry—if reps don’t update deal stages, projections can drift off-course.

6. Clari

Clari’s AI-powered revenue platform is engineered to convert forecasting from an art into a data-driven science. It specializes in delivering highly accurate, real-time forecasts for enterprise B2B companies, particularly those in technology sectors with complex sales cycles.

Use case: Enterprise sales teams seeking AI-powered forecasting accuracy and comprehensive pipeline visibility to eliminate revenue surprises

Key features

• AI-driven forecasting engine that analyzes historical and real-time data for predictive accuracy
• Real-time pipeline inspection with deal health assessments and risk identification
• Scenario planning capabilities for “what-if” analysis and strategic decision-making

Pricing

• Pricing information not publicly available
• Contact sales team for custom enterprise quotes
• Generally positioned as a premium solution for mid-market to enterprise organizations

Considerations

• Forecast accuracy heavily depends on clean, quality CRM data input
• Premium pricing may not suit smaller organizations or limited budgets

7. Zendesk Sell

By merging CRM data with customer service insights, Zendesk Sell offers a complete revenue picture that helps predict deals based on the full customer journey. This unique approach to sales forecasting helps sales managers spot opportunities and risks that traditional CRMs might miss, making it ideal for teams who want a more holistic view.

Use case: Teams seeking sales forecasting that integrates customer service data for more accurate revenue predictions and pipeline management

Key features

• Win probability forecasting that predicts deal likelihood and close dates using historical patterns
• Forecasted sales by source reports to analyze lead origins and revenue projections
• Pre-built deals dashboard with monthly forecast analytics and pipeline coverage insights

Pricing

• Team plan: $19/month per user
• Growth plan: Higher tier with advanced forecasting features
• Professional plan: Enhanced analytics and reporting capabilities
• Enterprise plan: Full forecasting suite with custom reports
• 14-day free trial available

Considerations

• Limited to maximum of two sales pipelines even on Enterprise plan, which may restrict complex sales processes
• Advanced forecasting features only available on higher-priced Growth, Professional, and Enterprise plans

8. Cash Flow Frog

Automating the complexities of cash flow forecasting, Cash Flow Frog integrates directly with your accounting software to create a user-friendly process. The platform specializes in scenario planning and predictive modeling, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need accurate sales forecasting without the complexity of enterprise-level tools.

Use case: Small to midsized businesses seeking automated sales forecasting that integrates seamlessly with existing accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Xero

Key features

• Automated sales forecasting that pulls live data from accounting software to eliminate manual entry and reduce errors
• Scenario planning tools that let you model different sales outcomes, including new product launches with associated costs
• Predictive modeling that considers sales trends, lead volume, proposal conversion rates, and sales cycle length for accurate forecasts

Pricing

• Standard: $31/month (annual billing)
• Pro: $39/month (annual billing) with unlimited scenarios, 3-year forecasting, and 1-on-1 expert training
• Lifetime 40% discount available for new Pro plan signups
• Custom pricing for Sage Intacct integration

Considerations

• Limited customization options may not suit businesses with complex forecasting requirements
• Forecast accuracy depends entirely on the quality and timeliness of data in your connected accounting software

9. Anaplan

Anaplan elevates sales forecasting into a connected planning powerhouse that unifies an entire revenue operation. This enterprise-grade platform specializes in real-time, multi-dimensional modeling that breaks down departmental silos, making it perfect for large organizations with sophisticated planning needs.

Use case: Large enterprises needing to connect sales forecasting with broader business planning across finance, operations, and marketing departments

Key features

• Real-time, multi-dimensional forecasting with drill-down capabilities by geography, product line, and account
• What-if scenario modeling that instantly shows the impact of different business conditions on sales performance
• Connected planning approach that aligns sales forecasts with financial models and operational capacity

Pricing

• Custom pricing available upon request and based on your organization’s size, data requirements, and desired modules.
• Typically billed annually, with costs reflecting enterprise-grade features, advanced modeling, and the level of implementation support needed.
• Implementation and training fees are common for first-time users and large-scale deployments.

Considerations

• Complex implementation requiring significant investment in training and specialized expertise to maximize platform potential
• Performance can slow with extremely large datasets, and data storage costs may limit historical trend analysis capabilities

10. Aviso

Harnessing advanced machine learning, Aviso provides AI-powered revenue intelligence engineered to achieve over 98% forecast accuracy. The platform is built for large organizations managing complex sales cycles that need to transform how they forecast and manage their pipeline.

Use case: Enterprise sales organizations seeking highly accurate AI-driven forecasting with advanced deal intelligence and pipeline visibility.

Key features

• AI-guided forecasting with 98%+ accuracy, delivering continuous updates throughout the quarter
• WinScore explanations that analyze CRM data, multi-channel engagement, and historical trends to predict deal outcomes
• Consumption-based forecasting for usage-based revenue models and XaaS businesses

Pricing

Custom pricing available upon request and based on the size of your sales organization, connected CRM/data sources, and selected modules.

Considerations

• Requires existing CRM integration as Aviso doesn’t provide native CRM capabilities
• May present a learning curve for teams to fully utilize all advanced features

11. Excel

Excel is the classic starting point for many teams: familiar, flexible, and widely available as part of the Microsoft 365 suite. While it isn’t purpose-built for sales forecasting, it lets you manually crunch the numbers and build custom reports using built-in functions and templates. For small teams with straightforward needs and limited budgets, Excel can be a quick way to get forecasts off the ground, but it comes with tradeoffs in automation, visibility, and collaboration.

Use case: Teams looking for a basic, do-it-yourself approach to forecasting, or those just starting out without a dedicated CRM

Key features

• Manual formulas (e.g., FORECAST.ETS) for basic time-series predictions
• Customizable templates to visualize sales trends and projections
• What-If Analysis tools like Scenario Manager for testing assumptions

Pricing

• Microsoft 365 Personal: $9.99/month or $99.99/year
• Microsoft 365 Family: $12.99/month or $129.99/year
• Office Home 2024: $149.99 one-time purchase

Considerations

• Manual data entry means forecasts are only as current as your last update
• Susceptible to version control issues and human error
• Lacks built-in automation, real-time pipeline sync, and collaboration tools found in true sales forecasting platforms

12. Salesloft

Salesloft embeds forecasting directly into the daily sales workflow, turning it into a strategic, AI-powered process rather than a separate, manual task. The platform specializes in this integrated approach, making it ideal for teams who want to predict revenue and drive real results without switching between multiple tools.

Use case: Sales teams looking for AI-powered forecasting that integrates seamlessly with their existing sales engagement workflow

Key features

• AI Forecast Agent that analyzes deal size, stage, and velocity to predict closing probability
• Real-time pipeline visibility with daily data capture across reps, teams, and activities
• Streamlined forecast rollups that consolidate individual and team-level predictions for comprehensive performance tracking

Pricing

• Advanced plan: Contact for pricing (includes basic sales engagement features)
• Premier plan: Contact for pricing (includes full forecasting capabilities and AI agents)
• Custom enterprise packages available with additional features and integrations

Considerations

• Forecasting features are only available in the highest-priced Premier tier, which may be cost-prohibitive for smaller teams
• Requires significant historical data (four quarters with 50+ closed opportunities per quarter) before AI forecasting becomes available

Challenges of sales forecasting and how to overcome them

Standardizing your pipeline with customizable deal stages in monday CRM is the first step to taming a chaotic sales process. When your team has a single, clear path to follow, forecasting is no longer a shot in the dark; it becomes a confident measure of progress.

Bringing all your customer information into one central hub eliminates the chaos of scattered data. This recipe for mistakes is replaced by a system where data stays in sync automatically, making your insights as reliable as your morning coffee.

AI workflow automation is the key to breaking free from spreadsheet purgatory, which drains your team’s time and turns forecasting into a dreaded chore. This automation gives you more visibility and control—not less—by transforming manual headaches into an engine for instant, actionable insights.

Key forecasting challenges solved:

• Inconsistent pipeline management is solved with standardized, customizable deal stages that create clarity.
• Scattered customer data is eliminated by centralizing all information in one synchronized hub.
• Time-consuming manual processes are automated through AI workflows that deliver instant insights.
• Unreliable forecasts are transformed into confident projections based on real-time, accurate data.
• Team misalignment is replaced with a shared, transparent view of the sales pipeline.

Where AI fits into revenue forecasting

Artificial intelligence provides a massive advantage over the traditional forecasting guessing game. By instantly analyzing historical data, rep performance, and market trends, AI spots connections humans would otherwise miss. It’s like having a co-pilot who sees the entire field, helping your team navigate with incredible clarity.

Unlocking this power doesn’t require a data science degree. With monday CRM, our AI blocks make complex analysis feel like a simple drag-and-drop. These tools automatically sift through your data to flag at-risk deals and highlight your most promising leads, freeing up your team to focus their energy on closing, not guessing.

This isn’t about ripping and replacing your current process. It’s about layering in intelligence that makes everyone sharper and more aligned. This enhanced visibility gives your entire team the control and confidence to make smarter decisions, move faster, and win more deals together.

Create better sales forecasts with monday CRM

Transforming forecasting from guesswork into a winning game plan is simpler than you think with monday CRM. The process begins with building a reliable system togetherin our visual platform, giving everyone the confidence to see exactly where the team stands. With customizable pipelines and real-time dashboards, the result is fewer surprises and more celebrations at the end of the quarter.

First, pinpoint where your current process allows deals to get lost in the shuffle. Our team can help you map these gaps to monday CRM’s flexible features. From there, you’ll outline what your team truly needs from our platform that adapts to your unique workflow—not the other way around.

The best way to know if monday CRM will stick is to get your team’s hands on it. You can jump right in and see how our intuitive, flexible platform gets everyone aligned and closing deals faster. With AI-powered insights and automated workflows, it’s the kind of visibility and control that builds unstoppable momentumfor your sales organization.