Forum Discussion
Need Excel formula for finding a Minimum input
I have a data set with a few columns.
The first is static data, and the next columns are formulas based on: the corresponding value from the first column, a single input value (that is the same for all), and the value above it.
It is important for me to identify the maximum value from my final column. This maximum value must equal the single input value, but there are many numbers that would fit this criteria. I am looking for the minimum number that can be used as the single input and still equal the maximum of the final column. The way that the formulas are configured, if I do this manually I can see that there is a limit where the two no longer match as I decrease the numbers, but I need to automate this.
By changing that single input value, I change the entire dataset, which is very long. I've tried to use solver, but because I'm only changing one number that impacts all of the numbers, it doesn't register correctly (or maybe I'm not doing it correctly). Using goal seek, I can ensure the numbers equal eachother, but cannot find a way to check that it is the minimum value possible.
Any help on this front would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
2 Replies
HI Corina,
Yes, result of Goal Seek is very depends on your initial guess if you have multiple answers. I'm not sure if direct solution for your case exists, it will be interesting to see if someone suggests.
As a workaround, if you know approximately the range of possible input values and it's not too big you could try Data Table from What-if Analysis. Depends on nature of your input numbers you may receive the answer within the data table, or at least it'll be easier to play with variants modifying input number(s) in formed data table.
But all that just guesses, without playing with figures it's hard to be concrete - have not a much of experience with these tools.
