Excel Business Analysis · Chapter 8 of 10

What-If Analysis

Model scenarios with Goal Seek, data tables, and scenario comparisons to support planning decisions.

Why this chapter matters

Leaders need to understand best case, expected case, and risk case before committing resources.

What you will learn

  • Use Goal Seek to solve for required input values.
  • Build one-variable and two-variable data tables for sensitivity checks.
  • Compare scenarios with clear assumptions and output deltas.

Lessons in this chapter

  1. Goal Seek basicsBack-solve a target metric by changing one driver.
  2. Sensitivity tablesEvaluate output changes across parameter ranges.
  3. Scenario managerStore and compare assumption sets for planning discussions. Read the full guide →
  4. Decision framingPresent assumptions and confidence limits clearly.

Study task

Find the required sales volume to hit a quarterly profit target, then test sensitivity to price and cost changes.

Chapter checkpoint

When is Goal Seek not enough for planning?

Goal Seek handles one changing input at a time, so multi-input tradeoffs need data tables or scenario comparisons.