Using Solver

The Solver is similar to Goal Seek and scenarios, but provides more options to restrict the allowable range of values for different cells that can affect the goal. The Solver is an add-in program, which may need to be loaded using the Add-In command on the Tools menu. The Solver is useful for predicting how results might change over time based on different assumptions. For example, suppose you have sales goals and quotas for the next three months. The Solver can take the expectations and the current quotas for each month, and determine how sales quotas for all three amounts be adjusted to achieve the goal.

Use Solver

Click the Tools menu, and then click Solver.

Select the target cell .

Click an Equal To option, and then, if necessary, enter a value.

Select the range of cells the solver uses to compare against the target cell.

Click Add.

Enter specific cell reference and constraint, and then click Add. You can specify several cell constraints.

Click OK.

Click Solve.

If the Solver finds a solution, the Solver Results dialog box appears.

Click the Keep Solver Solution option.

Click a report type.

Click OK.