What is Goal Seek in Excel?

Goal Seek finds the input value needed for a formula to reach a target result.

Can Goal Seek change multiple cells?

No. Goal Seek changes one input cell. Use Solver for models with multiple changing cells or constraints.

What should I practice after reading this tutorial?

Rebuild the main example on a copy of your file, then change one argument at a time to see how the result changes. That builds muscle memory faster than rereading the steps.

Which Excel version do I need for the formulas in this article?

Most steps work in Excel 2016 and later. If the article mentions FILTER, UNIQUE, or XLOOKUP, you need Microsoft 365 or Excel 2021 — check the linked function pages for compatibility.

Tutorials - 2026-05-12

Goal Seek in Excel: Complete Guide

Learn Goal Seek in Excel for reverse calculations, break-even analysis, target profit, loan payments, pricing, and what-if planning.

What Goal Seek Does

Goal Seek finds the input value needed to reach a target result. It is useful when you know the answer you want but need Excel to calculate the required input. Examples: Required sales to hit target profit Price needed for a target margin Loan payment target Break-even quantity

Use Goal Seek

Go to: Data -> What-If Analysis -> Goal Seek You will choose: Set cell: the formula result To value: the target By changing cell: the input Excel can adjust

Goal Seek Example

If profit is calculated in D10 and price is in B2, use Goal Seek to set D10 to 50000 by changing B2. Excel adjusts B2 until the profit formula reaches the target.

Goal Seek Limitations

Goal Seek changes one input cell at a time. Use Solver for more complex models with multiple constraints.

Related Guides

Excel What-If Analysis Excel Percentage Formula Excel Budget Template Guide PMT function

Apply this tutorial in your workbook

Copy one example from this article into a blank sheet. Change the sample ranges to match your column letters. Press F2 and Enter after edits so Excel recalculates. Compare your result to the expected output in the article. Related hubs: Excel functions directory · Formula guides · Function comparisons

Frequently asked questions

What is Goal Seek in Excel? Goal Seek finds the input value needed for a formula to reach a target result.
Can Goal Seek change multiple cells? No. Goal Seek changes one input cell. Use Solver for models with multiple changing cells or constraints.
What should I practice after reading this tutorial? Rebuild the main example on a copy of your file, then change one argument at a time to see how the result changes. That builds muscle memory faster than rereading the steps.
Which Excel version do I need for the formulas in this article? Most steps work in Excel 2016 and later. If the article mentions FILTER, UNIQUE, or XLOOKUP, you need Microsoft 365 or Excel 2021 — check the linked function pages for compatibility.