What it is
A projected value is an estimate for an item that does not have a confirmed community value yet. It is not an observed trade price.
This site marks every projected value so you never have to guess which number you are looking at.
Why it exists
New or rarely traded items have no trade history. Without an estimate they would show RAP only, which for some items is far from where the community sees them.
Projected values fill that gap, with the understanding that they are softer than a confirmed value.
How much to trust it
Treat a projected value as a starting point, not a fact. It is most useful when the item has visible demand and you can see a sensible price history forming.
The analyzer lowers its confidence for trades built on projected values, and flags them in the result so you can decide with that in mind.
Put it into practice
Run your own numbers before you accept anything.
Open the Trade Analyzer Browse values