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

Goal tracking helps you calculate backwards from an end goal. It’s a powerful way to understand how resources should be better allocated. If you’re using Excel to evaluate data, here’s how to plan with Excel’s Goal Seek function.

To use the Goal Finder feature in Excel:

Let’s review it with a simple example.

I want to get 130 new customers. But I don’t know how many visits I will need to reach my goal.

Before doing the goal search analysis, we organize my data to find the average percentage of visits to the MoM client.

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

In this case, I will select the customer goal.

Step 2: Go to the “Data” tab.

Step 3: Select “What If Analysis”

Step 4: Click “Find Target”

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

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

My goal is 130 customers, so I’ll write that number down.

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

I’m changing Projected Visits, so I’m going to place the cursor in the “On Changing Cell” box and then scroll down to select the appropriate cell.

Step 7: Click “OK” to view the target search analysis

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

Use the Target Research feature in Excel to get smarter marketing insights

Take control of variables that seem out of your control with the goal search feature. You will gain respect within your company for predicting your needs and achieving your goals.

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

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on [Month Year] and has been updated for completeness.