Investopedia

Goal Seeking

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Goal Seeking'

The process of finding the correct input when only the output is known. A goal-seeking entrepreneur might ask him or herself: "How much money do I have to earn per hour to gross $100,000 this year?" He or she knows the desired output, $100,000, but will have to work backwards to determine the desired input by figuring out how many hours he or she is able and willing to work in a year and then how much he or she needs to earn per hour, along with any other factors which may affect the final output.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Goal Seeking'

To solve more complex goal-seeking problems, business people commonly rely on computer software. The spreadsheet program Microsoft Excel has a goal-seeking tool built in that allows the user to determine the correct input value for a formula when the desired output is known. This feature can be used, for example, to determine the interest rate a borrower would need to qualify for (the input) if he or she only knows how much he can afford to pay per month (the output).

Articles Of Interest

  1. Financial Planning: It's About More Than Money

    Determine what you need to do now to make a drastic lifestyle change later.
  2. Microsoft Excel Features For The Financially Literate

    Here are some of Excel's functions and features that a financial professional can use to make his or her job more efficient.
  3. Investing With A Purpose

    Setting goals is the first step in determining which investment vehicles are right for you.
  4. Run Your Finances Like A Business

    Think of yourself as your own little company. To make it run smoothly, you need to take a look at your books.
  5. Why was Microsoft subject to antitrust charges in 1998?

    On May 18, 1998, the Department of Justice filed antitrust charges against Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT ). The charges were brought to determine whether Microsoft's bundling of other programs into ...
  6. Quants: The Rocket Scientists Of Wall Street

    Blend math, finance and computer skills to command a high - and well deserved - salary.
  7. 7 Unconventional Ways Businesses Can Borrow Money

    Find out how your business can get the money it needs - even when the bank says "no".
  8. Should You Head Back To Business School?

    Find out if an MBA is necessary for you to reach your professional goals.
  9. Business Grads, Land Your Dream Job

    Companies are in need of strategic candidates, not walking resumes. Find out how to set yourself apart from the pack and land the business career you've always wanted.
  10. Women And Finances: Is There A Gender Bias?

    Uncover some very complex reasons for female gender biases in the finance world.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.
  2. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
  3. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
  4. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.
  5. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.
  6. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.
Trading Center