Which What if analysis tool should you use if you know the desired result?
What-if analysis is the process of changing the values in cells to see how those changes will affect the outcome of formulas on the worksheet. You can use several different sets of values in one or more formulas to explore all the various results. Show
What-if analysis is useful in many situations while doing data analysis. For example −
Excel provides you with the following What-if analysis tools that can be used based on your data analysis needs −
Data Tables and Scenarios take sets of input values and project forward to determine possible results. Goal seek differs from Data Tables and Scenarios in that it takes a result and projects backwards to determine possible input values that produce that result. In this chapter, you will understand the possible situations where you can use the Whatif Analysis tools. For details on usage of these tools, refer to the later chapters in this tutorial. Data TablesA Data Table is a range of cells in which you can change values in some of the cells and come up with different answers to a problem. For example, you might want to know how much loan you can afford for a home by analyzing different loan amounts and interest rates. You can put these different values along with the PMT function in a Data Table and get the desired result. A Data Table works only with one or two variables, but it can accept many different values for those variables. For the details on Data Tables, refer to the chapter – What-If Analysis with Data Tables in this tutorial. Scenario ManagerA scenario is a set of values that Excel saves and can substitute automatically in cells on a worksheet. The key features are −
For the details on Scenarios, refer to the chapter – What-If Analysis with Scenario Manager in this tutorial. Goal SeekGoal Seek is useful if you know the result that you want from a formula, but not sure what input value the formula needs, to get that result. For example, if you want to borrow a loan and you know the loan amount, tenure of loan and the EMI that you can pay, you can use Goal Seek to find the interest rate at which you can avail the loan. Goal Seek can be used only with one variable input value. If you have more than one variable for input values, you can use the Solver add-in. For details on the usage of Goal Seek, refer to the chapter – What-If Analysis with Goal Seek in this tutorial. SolverSolver comes with Excel as an add-in. You can use Solver to find an optimal value for a formula in a cell called the target cell on a worksheet. Solver works with a group of cells that are related to the formula in the target cell. Solver adjusts the values in the adjustable cells that you specify, to produce the result that you specify, from the target cell formula. For the details on the usage of Excel Solver add-in, refer to the chapter - Optimization with Excel Solver in this tutorial. feature can help us test and answer questions using specified data sets, even when the available information is incomplete.How to do a What If Analysis in ExcelWhen we generate an Excel function or formula, we put various components together to return a desired result. The Goal Seek function in Excel operates in an opposite manner: It allows us to begin with our desired result, and then it determines the input value which will give us our desired result. We will now demonstrate how we can use Goal Seek to carry out What if analysis in Excel. Let’s assume that we have enrolled for a class. We currently have a 65 score, but we require a minimum score of 70 to pass our class. Luckily, we have one last assignment that may be able to increase our average. We can use the Goal Seek feature to discover exactly what score we need on our last assignment to pass our class.
Figure 2. Average Function in Excel Our purpose here is to use the Goal Seek feature, to determine the minimum grade we will require on our final assignment and display it in in cell B6 of our worksheet example.
Figure 3. Cell Selection for Goal Seek in Excel
Figure 4. Goal Seek Button in Excel A dialog box should appear with 3 fields:
Figure 5. Goal Seek Menu
Figure 6. of Goal Seek Outcome
Figure 7. What If Analysis in Excel Instant Connection to an Excel ExpertMost of the time, the problem you will need to solve will be more complex than a simple application of a formula or function. If you want to save hours of research and frustration, try our live Excelchat service! Our Excel Experts are available 24/7 to answer any Excel question you may have. We guarantee a connection within 30 seconds and a customized solution within 20 minutes. Is a what if analysis tool that helps to find the input value that results in a target value?Goal Seek is a What-If Analysis tool that helps you to find the input value that results in a target value that you want. Goal Seek requires a formula that uses the input value to give result in the target value.
Which of the following tools menu is used to view the results of what if Analyses in Excel?To enable the what-if analysis tool go to the Data menu tab and click on the What-If Analysis option under the Forecast section. Now click on the What-If Analysis. Excel has the following What-if analysis tools that can be used based on the data analysis needs: Video Player is loading.
Which statement best describes the What If analysis Data Table tool?Expert-Verified Answer. The answer is as follows: Explanation: (a) allows you to define output results and then shows what input values are needed to generate that result.
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