Azure Cost Management
A Microsoft offering that enables tracking of cloud usage and expenditures for Azure and other cloud providers.
2,778 questions
Azure Cost Management Forecast API doesn't work well for the long-term prediction
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Chao Yu (Azure Admin)
0
Reputation points
Hi,
I have been using the Azure Cost Management Forecast API to predict costs for the next three years. Initially, it worked well and reflected an uptrend based on historical data. However, I’ve recently noticed an issue: the API now shows a decreasing trend, even though past costs have been consistently increasing. Additionally, the forecast data abruptly stops after May 2027, leaving everything beyond that date empty.
Has anyone else experienced this behavior?
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Ashok Gandhi Kotnana 1,185 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor2024-12-02T14:18:56.58+00:00 Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum, thank you for posting your query here!
The issues you’re encountering with the Azure Cost Management Forecast API—showing a decreasing trend despite historical cost increases and a forecast cutoff beyond May 2027—may stem from the following factors:
- Verify Historical Data Trends
- Check the historical cost data being fed into the API to ensure consistency. If there's an anomaly in the data (e.g., unexpected cost drops due to adjustments, credits, or deleted resources), it may influence the forecast.
- Use the
ActualCostmetric from the Cost Management API to verify past trends.
2 . Forecast Algorithm Limitations
- Azure's forecast algorithm uses statistical models like linear regression or time-series analysis to project future costs. These models may overreact to short-term trends or misinterpret cost patterns, especially when data variability is high.
- The algorithm may include built-in constraints on extrapolation beyond a specific time horizon, potentially explaining the abrupt cutoff in May 2027.
Action:
- Double-check your API request parameters to ensure they cover the desired date range (e.g., ensuring a three-year horizon is explicitly defined).
- Review the forecast granularity (daily, monthly) and aggregation settings to align with your needs.
3 Subscription or Service-Specific Constraints
- Azure's API may apply different forecast capabilities depending on your subscription type, region, or associated services. The May 2027 limit could be a hard-coded constraint in the system for certain subscription tiers or API versions.
Action:
- Check the Forecast API documentation for any updates on forecast limitations or changes.
- Ensure you are using the latest API version, as older versions may have restrictions.
Refer: https://nordicapis.com/using-the-azure-cost-management-api-to-cut-your-cloud-costs/
Please let me know how it goes, we will always help as you needed.!
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Ashok Gandhi Kotnana 1,185 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
2024-12-03T10:37:00.9533333+00:00 HI @Chao Yu (Azure Admin) ,
Just want to check if the above comment worked for you or else let us know if any help, we will always help as you needed.!
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