How to Use the Goal Seek Excel Function (With Pictures)

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.

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.