Knowing your future sales figures can feel like trying to forecast the weather—sometimes right, but usually a gamble. Businesses thus demand more than just gut feelings. They need dependable instruments to bring anarchy into order. Like HubSpot or Scratchpad, sales forecasting tools assist with trend analysis, goal setting, and avoidance of unwelcome surprises.
Imagine this: Could you tell exactly how your next quarter will go? There is no more overpromising to managers or clients or guessing games. These instruments delve deeply into data to highlight your areas of success and areas needing work.
This guide will provide you an overview of the best sales forecasting tools for 2025. Tools that simplify daily tasks in addition to crunching figures. From Zoho CRM to Clari, let’s investigate how these technologies might enable accurate, practical, stress-free
What Is Sales Forecasting Software?
Software for sales forecasting guides future planning. It’s like giving your sales crew a compass. This instrument forecasts future developments by analyzing past data—that of past sales or market trends. Sounds helpful, right?
Say you are a sales manager. Without forecasting, you’re just trying to strike anything by tossing darts in the dark. But using platforms like HubSpot or Salesforce lets you readily spot trends. You know when your sales most likely will peak or decline.
For what reason? uncomplicated It keeps you ahead of the competition, intelligent use of resources, and free from surprises. Creating a schedule for next quarter? This software assures me, “Don’t worry, I got your back.”
Key Features to Look For
Different sales forecasting instruments are not equal. Some are elegant, others are basic. Still, the finest ones usually have these characteristics:
- Integration: Runs effortlessly with pipedrive or Zoho CRM.
- Custom Reports: Match data for your requirements—team performance or personal sales trends.
- Real-Time Updates: Platforms like Scratchpad offer realtime data, so you never lag.
- AI Predictions: Advanced tools as Gong.io employ artificial intelligence to examine your workflow.
Suppose you are following a $100,000 deal. Your software suddenly lets you know it is stuttering. You can act now as well. Real-time updates have that magical ability.
Affordability counts for smaller teams as well. Freshsales CRM includes enough functionality to keep you competitive even though it starts at $15 per user/month.
Benefits of Using Sales Forecasting Software
Why is this tool important? Since it saves your time, effort, and maybe even your sanity.
first, precision. Ignore sloppy spreadsheets. Sales trends are computed in forecasting instruments by algorithms. Studies reveal businesses running such systems increase forecast accuracy by 20 to 30%.
Second is production. Your salespeople are precisely focused where they should be. You won’t be wasting hours hunting offers that won’t close.
Eventually, better choices. Anaplan helps you make sure every dollar counts more whether you are budgeting for marketing or hiring new employees.
With forecasting tools, you receive that power in real-time, therefore enhancing not only sales but also confidence. Bill Gates once famously said, “Information is power.”
How Does Sales Forecasting Software Work?
Data Integration and Analysis
There is data all around. Emails, spreadsheets, CRM systems—manually tracking this is messy. Sales forecasting systems tidy this anarchy. It aggregates all of your data sources onto one orderly display. Scratchpad, for instance, hooks directly with Salesforce. These days, you don’t copy numbers or navigate between tabs.
The software automatically arranges data so you might concentrate on decisions rather than on data cleansing. It reveals trends—what goods sell best, when consumers buy more, and which deals remain stuck. Better still, Pipedrive allows you to filter data by team, product, or area.
Forecasting without integration is merely guessing. But you see a clear picture using a technology that syncs data from emails, calls, even consumer comments. To be honest, who doesn’t want to spend less time correcting spreadsheets?
Predictive Models and Algorithms
Forecasting is arithmetic not magic. Using algorithms and past data, predictive models project future sales. Imagine that every year you conduct a Black Friday promotion. Using historical performance, a software like Clari forecasts your income this year.
There are a few common models you should know:
- Best for identifying trends throughout time—like seasonal demand—time series analysis
- Causal models take into account outside elements as economic developments or marketing initiatives.
- Tools like Gong.io utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to learn from your data and over time enhance forecasts.
McKinsey claims that companies applying predictive analytics increase their profitability 8 to 10% faster. Smart companies thus make investments in instruments with robust algorithms. It goes beyond mere figures as well. It’s about inspiring confidence in your team regarding their next action.
Real-Time vs. Historical Forecasting
Developing your sales pipeline without real-time data is like driving blindfolded. When a customer decides differently or a new contract closes, real-time forecasting changes right away. Live insights from tools like Zoho CRM help you to understand what is occurring right now.
Historical forecasting is important, though as well. It clarifies long-term patterns for you. Anaplan allows you, for example, year-over-year performance comparisons. For big-picture planning—that is, for establishing annual goals—this is ideal.
The greatest forecasters combine both as well. Freshsales CRM, for instance, pulls insights from past data and offers live pipeline developments. Real-time indicates where your attention should be today. Past records guide your future planning.
Sales teams that combine both strategies not only meet but also exceed their goals. Accurate forecasts maintain your boss’s satisfaction and help you to create confidence with customers. Everyone loves being the office hero, too, really.
Types of Sales Forecasting Tools
Sales Pipeline Forecasting
Your everyday short-term planning tool for sales pipeline forecasting is It shows the phases and closing chances of all the deals you have on file. If you oversee a full sales staff, this is like having a sales coach that never sleeps.
Pipedrive, for instance, employs visual dashboards to show you which deals want more attention and where they are stalled. A cursory look reveals what is and is not moving.
The best thing about it is Not only are managers involved here. Salespeople can also plan their week using it instead of continuously bugging the manager. This kind of predicting is entirely about action and clarity. You pay close attention to what is happening right now as well as what could occur next month.
Historical Sales Forecasting
Historical sales forecasting looks back to project the future. Though it seems like magic, it’s really only clever data utilization. Anaplan or Zoho CRM use years of sales data, recognize trends, and provide expectations guidance.
Assume your business sells winter coats. Sales swing forty percent every December. This trend guides historical predictions to enable you to get ready for that rush. Not overstocking; not running out of anything.
Long-term planning benefits much from it as well. Want to specify income targets for next year? This approach guarantees their reasonable nature. Though it works best in stable sectors, historical forecasting assumes patterns will repeat. Combine this with real-time technologies for greater accuracy if your market is fast changing.
AI-Driven Forecasting Tools
Here we are in the future. Forecasting technologies driven by artificial intelligence consider your sales, not only view them. Tools like Gong.io or Clari use machine learning to examine trends and create forecasts even missed by seasoned management.
One salient feature is: AI tools have dynamism. They change with real-time adaptation. For instance, the software rapidly changes your forecast should a key client cancel. Conversely, static tools need hand input to be changed.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- For basic projections, static tools—which predict based on known data—are quite helpful.
- Dynamic Tools: Perfect for fast-moving sectors, instantly change forecasts.
This matters why? Given the chaotic nature of actual sales. Deals pass, markets change, and trends develop. AI systems manage this anarchy better. They can even provide suggestions. Given better victory rates in a given area, Gong.io could advise emphasizing business there.
Yes, these devices might be expensive—some users pay $100 a month—but their usefulness is enormous. Businesses utilizing artificial intelligence-driven forecasting report up to 25% better sales prediction accuracy. Worth it? Completely.
Top 10 Sales Forecasting Software for 2025
Scratchpad
Scratchpad is more than just another tool; it’s like a salesforce turbo boost. Imagine your sales staff processing changes faster, managing pipelines better, and doing it all without switching tabs every five seconds. That is the magic Scratchpad adds to your process.
Key Characteristics
- Real-time sync: Salesforce updates everything straight forwardly. Not one delay or one hand-made mistake.
- Deal insights: Find problems before they stop your sales. The visual features of Scratchpad make this simple.
- Customizable layouts: Are Kanban boards or grids desired? You chose the appearance of your data.
- Roll-ups: View sales information all in one location across teams or areas.
Pricing
Scratchpad runs at $19 a month per user. More customizing is what you want? There are add-ons so you pay just for what you need.
Customer Ratings
Its simplicity and speed have users gushing. G2 ranks it 4.8/5; Capterra scores it a strong 4.9/5. Sales managers say it changes everything.
Sales teams using Scratchpad not only forecast but also rule.
Pipedrive
Until you use Pipedrive, you were unaware of the sales tool you actually required. Perfect for those who learn best visually, this software maintains a clear and simple sales pipeline for management. Small to medium-sized teams trying to keep focused on closing deals without losing sight in a flood of data will find it perfect.
Important Characteristics
- Drag-and-drop interface let you easily monitor the development of every contract.
- Using deal probabilities at certain phases, forecast future revenues.
- Customizable Dashboards: Adjust charts and reports to create yours.
- Connect with software like Slack and Zapier to expedite your process.
Pricing
Although plans start at $14.90/month per user, the Professional plan at $49.90/month is necessary to access forecasting tools. Excellent worth given what it provides.
Customer Ratings
Pipedrive gives G2 a 4.2/5 and Capterra a 4.6/5. Although some argue complex capabilities take some time to understand, sales teams enjoy its simplicity.
If you want a sales tool that keeps things straightforward but powerful, overall it’s a good one.
Anaplan
For companies needing more than just basic forecasting, Anaplan is a formidable software. This cloud-based system links your sales to your overall plan, not only forecasts them. Sales, marketing, supply chains—all right in one location. For large businesses juggling complicated processes or fast scaling, it’s ideal.
Key Features
- Anaplan explores what motivates your sales and forecasts results based on actual data rather than conjecture.
- Test “what if” situations to learn how choices might affect your income.
- Teams from sales to finance can collaborate on the same software models in real time.
- For laser-based insights, slice data by product line, geography, or even salesperson.
Pricing
This software is not low cost. Based on your use, prices begin around $30,000 annually. For businesses, though, it is well worth every dollar.
Customer Ratings
Anaplan wins compliments for depth and adaptability with a 4.6/5 on G2. Though some users claim the learning curve is tough, once you’re in it changes everything.
Anaplan is a solution you won’t regret utilizing if you require thorough forecasting tools and are not mindless about spending money.
Zoho CRM
Versatile software Zoho CRM lets companies control sales, project income, and forge closer client relationships. It offers flexibility without overloading you with pointless complication, therefore fitting teams of any size.
Key Features
- Customizable Forecasting: Depending on fiscal years, areas, or team-specific requirements will help you adapt sales projections.
- AI-Powered Assistant (Zia): Zia studies trends and projects that would make you seem like a sales master.
- Advanced Analytics: Create thorough reports pointing up areas needing work and your best practices.
- Seamless Integrations: For a better workflow, connect Zoho CRM with other tools like Plerdy or Google Workspace.
Pricing
Starting with $14 per user/month for the Standard plan, the software is reasonably priced. The Professional package runs $23 a user/month for advanced forecasting and automation tools.
Customer Ratings
On Capterra, Zoho CRM boasts a strong 4.3/5 rating; on G2, same. Although some users claim the interface could be more understandable, others value its cost and strong tools.
More than just software, Zoho CRM is a dependable friend for streamlining your sales and elevating your projections.
HubSpot
HubSpot is your best sales companion, not only tool. Ideal for companies looking for everything in one location, HubSpot provides solutions to control sales, project income, and strengthen client connections. It scales to meet your demands regardless of size—startup or large corporation.
Key Features
- Custom Forecasting Models: Match your team’s goals and working process to your forecasts.
- Pipeline Management: Track every deal from beginning to close with simple graphics.
- Team Performance Insights: Find out who needs help and who is really doing great.
- Integrations Galore: Gmail, Slack, and even Plerdy perfectly.
Pricing
Although HubSpot’s CRM is free, you will require the Professional plan at $450/month (for five users) if you want sales forecasting tools. Although it’s not the least expensive, the return on investment can be really large.
Customer Ratings
HubSpot earns 4.4/5 on G2; consumers commend its simplicity of use and support staff. While some argue smaller teams find it expensive, many feel the features are well worth it.
HubSpot is a complete sales solution, not only a technology; it will help you better forecast and simplify your workday.
Xactly Forecasting
Powerful sales tool Xactly Forecasting is precisely crafted. Combining AI-driven insights with simple tools helps it to provide sales teams with realistic revenue forecasts. Whether you run a small team or a large organization, this software lets you maximize every component of your sales cycle.
Key Features
- AI-Guided Forecasting: Analyze trends and patterns to remarkably accurately forecast future sales with artificial intelligence-guided forecasting.
- Custom Revenue Insights: For more intelligent methods, break down data by product lines, areas, or individual sales reps.
- Scenario Testing: Running “what if” studies on sales outcomes helps you be ready for unanticipated shifts.
- CRM Integrations: For a simplified workflow, sync easily with software like Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics.
Pricing
Company size and requirements define pricing. Get a quote from Contact Xactly; many customers discover the software pays for itself by increasing sales effectiveness.
Customer Ratings
X precisely gets 4.2/5 on G2. Though some users note a learning curve, users admire its capacity to precisely estimate sales trends.
Xactly Forecasting is the tool that changes your sales strategy and enables you to meet your targets for teams eager to go beyond hand-made procedures.
Clari
Sales teams who wish to see the future—or at least precisely forecast it—turn to Clari first. This AI-powered system offers complete control over your sales pipeline rather than only forecasts. Clari streamlines and expedites your search for great offers or your attempt to meet quarterly targets.
Key Features
- Predictive analytics uses your pipeline to provide precise projections for every contract.
- Track changes in your sales data right away, without wait for real-time insights.
- Pipeline Health: Sort the proper ones first and focus on spot deals at danger.
- Keep your team in line with dashboards and shared data by means of collaboration tools.
Pricing
Although Clari maintains her pricing under wraps, sources claim it varies based on features between $12 and $50 per user each month. For what it offers, the expenditure is well justified.
Customer Ratings
Clari rates 4.5/5 and performs especially well on G2. Though some note a high learning curve, many marvel about its forecasting accuracy and simplicity of usage.
Clari is the tool that converts your forecast from estimates to goals if your team wants to bring sales anarchy under control.
Salesforce Sales Cloud
Big boss of sales software is Salesforce Sales Cloud. Companies all around depend on it for handling everything from leads to forecasts. This is the software you want if you wish a solution that automates sales procedures and provides real-time data. Although it’s not inexpensive, sales teams will be able to work smarter rather than harder because to its many capabilities.
Key Features
- Always be aware of your team’s current position with accurate, up-to–date income projections in real time.
- Pipeline Management: Use simple drag-and-drop capability to streamline your sales pipeline.
- Create custom dashboards to view everything—from team performance to deals under development—all in one location.
- Einstein AI spots trends and recommends the best moves to conclude deals more quickly.
Pricing
Plans start at $25/user each month; but, the Enterprise plan is $150/user if you wish for thorough forecasting features.
Customer Ratings
With 4.3/5 on G2 and 4.4/5 on Capterra, Salesforce scores rather high. Though beginners may find the learning curve high, users admire its strong features and adaptability.
The software designed to turn your sales anarchy into a well-oiled machine is Salesforce Sales Cloud. Ideal for people that aspire great.
Freshsales CRM
Smart software like Freshsales CRM keeps sales teams orderly and targeted. Small and medium companies seeking AI-driven insights free from the trouble of complex tools will find it ideal. Freshsales maintains perfect clarity of your sales pipeline and simplifies forecasting.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Forecasting: Analyze past data to remarkably accurately project sales results.
- Pipeline Management: Visualize every phase of your sales process with simple drag-and-drop capability.
- Integrated Communication: Manage calls, emails, and chats straight from the software—there’s no need to move between systems.
- Custom Reports: Create comprehensive reports to assess performance and hone your plan.
Pricing
Freshsales provides reasonably priced solutions. While the Pro plan—which incorporates sophisticated forecasting—is $39/user per month, the Growth plan begins at $15/user every month. Big teams pay the Enterprise plan $69/user monthly.
Customer Ratings
Freshsales on G2 comes out at 4.5/5. Its simplicity and value for cost appeal users much enjoy. Although some argue the mobile app could be improved, generally it is quite well regarded.
If you need dependable sales tools without going broke, Freshsales CRM is ideal. This is a cheap instrument with great results.
Gong.io
Gong.io is your personal sales detective not only a sales tool. This AI-powered system reads emails, listens to your sales conversations, and examines every encounter to find what is and is not working. For sales teams trying to upgrade their plan without wasting time on conjecture, it is a lifesaver.
Key Features
- Conversation Intelligence: Examining calls and emails helps one to identify important patterns in consumer behavior.
- Deal Tracking: Track agreements in development and identify hazards before they sour your pipeline.
- Forecast Accuracy: Not gut instinct, but rather uses artificial intelligence to project sales results depending on real-time data.
- Team Coaching: Provides practical criticism meant to raise sales team performance.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on team size and requirements determines this. Although some say it’s a premium tool, for big teams handling several agreements it is worth every dollar.
Customer Ratings
Gong.io rates an amazing 4.8/5 on G2. Although others note the high cost tag, sales managers commend its capacity to change how teams handle forecasting and deal management.
Gong.io is the best tool to tidy your sales process and simplify forecasting for people bored with following ineffective leads or missing deals without justification.
| Tool | Starting Price | Best For | Key Features | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scratchpad | $19/month | Quick Salesforce updates | Grid view, zero boards, Kanban | G2: 4.8/5 |
| Pipedrive | $14.90/user/month | Visual pipeline management | Deal tracking, sales forecasts, customizable reports | G2: 4.2/5 |
| Anaplan | $30,000/year | Enterprise forecasting | Driver-based models, what-if scenarios | G2: 4.6/5 |
| Zoho CRM | $89/user/month | AI-powered forecasting | Zia AI, pipeline trends, analytics | G2: 4/5 |
| HubSpot | $450/month (5 users) | Team-based forecasting | Custom forecast models, pipeline analysis | G2: 4.4/5 |
| Xactly Forecasting | Contact for pricing | AI-guided revenue predictions | Real-time data sync, CRM integrations | G2: 4.2/5 |
| Clari | $12-$50/user/month | AI-powered deal inspection | Predictive analytics, pipeline insights | G2: 4.5/5 |
| Salesforce Sales Cloud | $25-$300/user/month | Full CRM functionality + forecasting | Real-time dashboards, predictive AI | G2: 4.3/5 |
| Freshsales CRM | $15-$69/user/month | SMBs with AI forecasting | AI-based insights, email sync, reporting tools | G2: 4.5/5 |
| Gong.io | Contact for pricing | Conversation analysis and deal risks | AI-driven insights, email analytics | G2: 4.8/5 |
How to Choose the Right Sales Forecasting Software
While choosing the best sales forecasting tool for your company is not a stroll in the park, it is not rocket science either. While keeping on budget, you must determine what fits the demands of your staff. This analysis will enable you to decide with the best wisdom.
Identify Your Business Needs
What first is your aim? Are you seeking to more precisely forecast income or increase pipeline visibility? Would you like anything standalone or integration with Salesforce? Most significant is knowing your goals.
Checklist:
- Specify your staff count—small, medium, or enterprise.
- Look for currently in use tools (CRMs or analytics systems).
- Decide whether predictive models—a hallmark of artificial intelligence—are absolutely necessary.
- Look for simplicity of use for both tech-savvy and non-tech consumers.
If you run a startup, keep things basic. Large businesses? Go for something feature-rich and scalable.
Evaluate Key Features and Usability
Don’t just grab the first shiny instrument you come upon. Consider the features that really count. Illustrative dashboards? Artificial intelligence-driven forecasts? Tools for reporting? Search for software that create actionable data rather than only spouting facts.
One thing that breaks a transaction is usability. Nobody wants software this complex that running it requires a PhD. Seek for tools with simple onboarding procedures and clean UI. For instance, Freshsales is renowned for its simplicity, while Gong.io loads features for sophisticated consumers.
Budget Considerations
To be straight forward, cost counts. You want to avoid squandering your money on extravagant amenities that staff will not use.
The idea is simple: anticipate limited features if you are spending less than $100 per user every month. You’ll get bespoke reports and AI insights between $100 and $500 a month. Beyond that? Anything? It better makes coffee as well.
Remember, without draining your pocketbook, even reasonably priced tools like Zoho CRM may produce outstanding outcomes.
Scalability and Future Needs
Your software should expand with your company. For a five-person team, what works will not apply when you increase to 50 or 500 individuals. Search for software that can manage more data loads and provide variable pricing as your demands change.
Make sure the instrument supports several currencies and languages if your business intends to grow abroad. Look for dependable customer service as well; trust me; you will need it when scaling gets chaotic.
Selecting the appropriate software is more about finding the one that fits your team than about determining the most costly one. Plan ahead, keep sensible, and avoid paying too much for features you never will use.
Eventually
Though it’s not as terrifying as it sounds, choosing the correct sales forecasting software is a major step for your company. Among the other tools you have at hand are Pipedrive, Zoho CRM, Gong.io, and Salesforce Sales Cloud. Every one has a different mood, advantages, and cost tag. It’s all about discovering the one that best suits your team’s budget, goals, and approach.
Recall, excellent predicting is smart data; it is not magic. Whether your focus is on something more basic or AI-powered tools, the correct software can improve your sales game. Furthermore, who wouldn’t want to show the boss a 20% increase in revenue forecasts?
You shouldn’t hurry. Try a few sites, check free trials, and maybe find out from others what works for them. Sales applications are not a one-size-fits-all tool. Your staff is special, hence your tools should represent that.
Choose the correct instrument, then start using it and see how your sales projection moves from speculation into a strong game plan.