What is Best Case Forecast?
Best case is the upside story: what happens if the deals on the bubble go your way. It is not a promise like commit, but a credible ceiling.
The gap between commit and best case is itself informative, showing how much of the number is secured versus still in contention.
Short answer
A best case forecast is the optimistic version of the number, including deals that could close in the period if circumstances break favorably. It sits above the commit and below raw pipeline, giving leadership a realistic ceiling. Tracking commit and best case together frames the plausible range and shows how much upside is in play versus how much is locked.
Key takeaways
- Optimistic outcome if deals break favorably.
- Sits above commit, below raw pipeline.
- Sets a realistic ceiling for the period.
- The commit-to-best-case gap shows upside in play.
Why it matters
Leaders need both a floor and a ceiling. Best case tells them the upside worth chasing and helps them decide whether to push for a stretch result or protect the commit, framing the range instead of a single point.
How Ardovo handles it
Ardovo rolls up best case alongside commit and shows the deals that separate them, so Rook can highlight which bubble deals, if won, would lift the number from commit toward best case.
Frequently asked questions
What is a best case forecast?
It is the optimistic version of the forecast, including deals that could close if things break favorably. It sits above the commit and gives leadership a credible ceiling for the period rather than a single expected number.
How is best case different from commit?
Commit is what the rep is confident will close and can be held to; best case is the upside that could close if bubble deals go the right way. Commit is the floor, best case the ceiling, and the gap is the upside in play.
Should I plan on the best case number?
No. Plan on the commit and treat best case as upside to chase. Building plans on best case sets you up to miss, since by definition it assumes several uncertain deals all break your way.