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 understand goal seekinggoal 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 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 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 seekinga 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 