What is the use of Goal Seek?

What Is Goal Seeking?

Goal seeking is the process of finding the correct input value when only the output is known. The function of goal seeking can be built into different kinds of computer software programs like Microsoft Excel. 

Key Takeaways

• Goal seeking is finding the correct input when only the output is known. 
• This is often done using the goal seek function in Microsoft Excel or what-if analysis via computer programs. 
• Goal-seek software only works if there’s only one input value, however. 

Understand Goal Seeking 

Goal seeking is a general term used to describe the process involved in figuring out your input value based on an already known output value. The process involves using a specific operator in a formula, which can be calculated using computer software. 

Goal seeking is one of the tools used in "what-if analysis" on computer software programs. A what-if analysis is a process of changing values in (Microsoft Excel) cells to see how these changes will affect formula outcomes on the worksheet. When you are goal seeking, you are performing what-if analysis on a given value, or the output. So, in essence, you would be creating a scenario by asking "what if the output was X"—or basically, a cause and effect situation. 

For some of the more complex problems, people will often use computer software. A spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel has a goal seeking tool built-in. It allows the user to determine the desired input value for a formula when the output value is already known. This feature can help the user determine things like the interest rate a borrower needs to qualify for (the input) if she only knows how much she can afford to pay each month (the output). 

But there is one caveat to using goal seeking software: It only works if there is one input value. If you need to figure out two or more input values, then it won’t work. If we take the example from above, if you want to figure out the total amount of the loan and the monthly payment, goal seeking software won't work. You'd probably need an add-on in order to figure out multiple variables. 

How Goal Seeking Work in Microsoft Excel

As mentioned above, goal seeking software will only work if you already know the output value (or the result) but want to determine one input value. Here are some key steps you can follow if you want to use the goal seek feature in the program: 

• Open up a new spreadsheet
• Label your columns. This will make it easier for you to read everything in the worksheet. So, using the example from above, the first column will be “Loan Amount,” the second column would be “Term in Months,” the third would be “Interest Rate” and the final one would be “Payment.”
• Type in the values that you know. 
• Enter the formula to calculate the goal — in this case, the payment. You can ignore the interest rate for now, which the formula will assume is 0 percent. 

Now you will have to determine the interest rate. You can do this by using the Goal Seek function in Excel and enter the values you already have. 

Example of Goal Seeking

A goal-seeking entrepreneur is someone who uses goal seeking to determine how they can reach their ultimate goals. For example, an entrepreneur may ask how much they will need to make per hour to gross $100,000 in a year. They know their desired output value—$100,000—and will, therefore, have to work back in order to figure out the optimum input. That means they will have to determine how many hours they will be able to (or is willing to) work during the year, and therefore, how much they will earn for each hour to reach their goal. 

Goal-seeking helps you calculate backwards from an end goal. It’s a powerful way to understand how you should best allocate resources. If you use Excel to evaluate data, here’s how to plan ahead with the Goal Seek Excel function.

The Goal Seek Excel Function is one of the three Excel What-if analysis tools that helps you figure out what you need to achieve an end goal. You specify the desired result, then it works backwards — changing variables to match your specified result.

To use the Goal Seek function in Excel:

Let’s run through that with a simple example.

I want to bring in 130 new customers. But I don't know how many visits I'll need to reach my goal.

Before doing the Goal Seek analysis, I organize my data to find the average MoM visit-to-customer percentage.

Step 1: Select the cell with the output you want to change

In this case, I’ll select the customer goal.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Data” tab

Step 3: Select “What-if Analysis”

Step 4: Click “Goal Seek”

Pro Tip: You can also get here with the Goal Seek Excel shortcut. Press Alt + A on your keyboard, followed by key W, then G.

Step 5: Type the number you want to hit into the “To value” field

My goal is 130 customers, so I’ll type in that number.

Step 6: Select the variable you want to change in the “By changing cell” box

I’m changing Projected Visits so I’ll place the cursor in the “By changing cell” box, then scroll down to select the corresponding cell.

Step 7: Click “OK” to see the Goal Seek analysis

Voila! I find that to get 130 customers, I need to attract 5000 visits.

Use the Goal Seek Function In Excel for Smarter Marketing Insights

Take control of the variables that seem out of your control with the Goal Seek function. You’ll gain respect within your company for predicting your needs and hitting your goals.

You'll also be ready if the unexpected happens. And you'll know how to make informed decisions or tweak your strategy with your new what-if analysis skills.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in [Month Year] and has been updated for comprehensiveness.