Solving Backwards with Goal Seek

Usually, we write formulas to find a result based on inputs. Goal Seek does the opposite: it finds the input needed to achieve a specific result.

Use Case

Imagine you can afford a monthly payment of exactly $500, but your current loan calculation says $560. You want to know: What is the maximum loan amount I can take to get the payment down to $500?

How to Use

1. Go to Data > What-If Analysis > Goal Seek.
2. Set Cell: Select the cell containing the result (e.g., Monthly Payment).
3. To Value: Type the target number (e.g., 500).
4. By Changing Cell: Select the input cell you want to adjust (e.g., Loan Amount).
5. Click OK.

Excel will iterate through values until it finds the exact input that yields your target.

Goal Seek only works with a single variable. For more complex problems with multiple constraints, use the Solver add-in.