How to use goal seek to find break-even units sold in an excel p&l model
- Step 1Build a P&L structure in Excel — Ensure your model has: Units (input cell), Revenue = Units × Price, Profit = Revenue - Total Costs.
- Step 2Upload and configure Goal Seek — Set target cell = Profit cell, target value = 0, input cell = Units cell.
- Step 3Run the solver — The binary search finds the units value that makes Profit = 0.
- Step 4Download result — Download the workbook with the break-even units value filled in.
Frequently asked questions
What if the formula for Profit is nested across multiple cells?+
The Goal Seek tool evaluates the formula in the target cell by resolving cell references in the workbook. Intermediate calculation cells are read at their current values.
Can I find break-even on price instead of units?+
Yes — set target value = 0 for Profit, and change the input cell to the Price cell instead of Units.
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