What are estimates or guesses about the future based on known data called?

The term that refers to estimates or guesses about the future based on known data is "projections." Projections are typically grounded in data analysis and statistical modeling and are used in various fields, including finance, economics, and business planning. They take existing information and apply it to project future outcomes or trends.

Projections differ from forecasts, which generally encompass broader predictions that may be based on qualitative insights as well as quantitative data. Predictions often imply a degree of uncertainty about the outcome, while assumptions represent predefined conditions or hypotheses that may not necessarily be anchored in data. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately interpreting future expectations based on established information.