Goal Seek in Excel

Microsoft Excel is more than just a tool for making tables. With features like Goal Seek and What-If Analysis, you can solve problems and plan ahead easily. This guide will show you simple steps to use these tools with examples anyone can follow.

What is Goal Seek?

Goal Seek is an Excel tool that helps you find the value you need to reach a goal. Instead of guessing, Excel calculates it for you.

Example 1: Finding the Grade You Need

Imagine your current grades are 58, 70, 72, and 60. You need an average of 70 to pass, but you don’t know the grade of your last assignment yet.

  • Type your grades in cells B2 to B5.
  • In cell B6, leave it blank for your unknown grade.
  • In cell B7, type =AVERAGE(B2:B6) to calculate the average.

Now use Goal Seek:

  • Click on cell B7.
  • Go to the Data tab.
  • Click What-If Analysis → Goal Seek.
  • In the dialog box, set:
      Set cell: B7
      To value: 70
      By changing cell: B6
  • Click OK.

Excel will show you that you need a 90 on the final assignment to pass.

Example 2: Planning an Event

Goal Seek can also help with budgeting. Suppose your total budget is $500, and you want to know how many guests you can invite without exceeding it.

  • Room cost: B2
  • Cost per person: B3
  • Number of people: B4
  • Total cost: B5, with formula =B2+B3*B4

Steps to use Goal Seek:

  • Click on cell B5.
  • Go to Data → What-If Analysis → Goal Seek.
  • Set cell: B5
  • To value: 500
  • By changing cell: B4
  • Click OK.

Excel might show 18.62. Since you cannot invite part of a person, you round down to 18 guests.

Other What-If Tools in Excel

Excel offers more than Goal Seek. Here are other useful tools:

  • Scenarios: Test multiple values in different cells at once. Compare situations without changing your original data.
  • Data Tables: Test many values and see all results together. Great for loans, budgets, or sales analysis.

Tip: Goal Seek is best for one calculation at a time. For more complex planning, try Scenarios or Data Tables.

5 FAQs of Using Goal Seek and What-If Analysis

What is the main purpose of Goal Seek in Excel?

Goal Seek helps you find the value needed in one cell to achieve a specific result in another cell.

Can I use Goal Seek for budgeting?

Yes. It can calculate costs, quantities, or any unknown value to stay within your budget.

What is the difference between Goal Seek and Scenario Manager?

Goal Seek solves one value at a time. Scenario Manager tests multiple situations in different cells.

Can I use Goal Seek with formulas?

Absolutely. Goal Seek works with any cell that contains a formula.

Which Excel versions support Goal Seek?

Goal Seek is available in Excel 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.

Conclusion

Goal Seek and What-If Analysis make Excel powerful for planning and decision-making. Start with simple examples like grades or budgets, then explore Scenarios and Data Tables for more advanced analysis.

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